The paper provides a deep insight into the managerial aspects of Indian mangroves and highlights the transition of Indian forest policies and their impacts on these extensive coastal ecosystems. Citing examples from historical past to the recent developing era, the paper highlights the transition of core mangrove management strategies and observes a paradigm shift from preventive to ameliorative management mostly through increased community participation in mainstream resource management. The paper also examines the existing framework of mangrove management, legislative and non-legislative provisions for conservation and identifies it's effectively against the persisting extinction threats. Addressing the major gaps and challenges, the paper concludes with some key recommended. © 2013 Elsevier Ltd.