Centre Launches ₹4 Crore Project to Tackle Coastal Erosion in Cuddalore

Quick Summary

• A ₹4 crore project titled “Creation of Bio-shield to Prevent the Impact of Sea level Rise and Coastal Erosion” (2025-28) is being implemented in Cuddalore district by the Department of Environment and Climate Change.

– Includes 60 hectares of mangrove plantations and 20 hectares of coastal bio-shield creation with resilient species.

• Tamil Nadu Forest Department has undertaken extensive mangrove restoration with community involvement:

– From 2022-25, 95 hectares of new mangroves were planted under NABARD, Green Tamil Nadu Mission (GTM), and NHAI schemes.
– Restoration efforts included planting over 52,000 mangrove seedlings using linear methods.

• Large-scale plantation initiatives:

– GTM restored an additional 250 hectares of degraded mangroves under Centrally Sponsored Schemes (CSS).- across Tamil Nadu, over three years, a total of 10.86 crore seedlings were planted with help from government departments, NGOs, and the public; 54.25 lakh seedlings were specifically planted in Cuddalore through multi-stakeholder involvement.

• Under World Bank-funded TN-SHORE/Tamil Nadu Coastal Restoration Mission:

– Ongoing restoration for another 160 hectares through Village Mangrove Councils.

indian opinion Analysis

The initiatives detailed here highlight significant advancements in ecological preservation aimed at safeguarding coastal ecosystems in Tamil Nadu. Projects like the ₹4 crore bio-shield program underscore a proactive approach against rising sea levels and erosion challenges affecting vulnerable districts like Cuddalore.Efforts align well with broader environmental missions such as the Green Tamil Nadu Mission (GTM), showcasing community-centered strategies for ecological restoration.The inclusion of large-scale plantation drives enhances both biodiversity conservation and green employment opportunities while fostering local ownership through structures like Village Mangrove Councils under TN-SHORE.Alignment between state programs (e.g.,GTM) and national or internationally funded initiatives demonstrates how integrated funding channels can advance long-term sustainability goals.These projects could serve as valuable blueprints for other Indian states facing similar climatic vulnerabilities while emphasizing that scalability remains key to amplifying their impact.

Read More