CHENNAI: The World Bank allocated Rs 2,000 crore to implement the Tamil Nadu Coastal Restoration Mission. The project will be implemented for five years from the coming financial year.
To enchance coastal biodiversity, the government will construct a biodiversity conservation park at Kadambur near Chengalpet; sea turtle conservation centres at Nagapattinam and Chennai; an international dugong conservation center at Manora in Thanjavur, besides taking up the work of conservation of coastal wetlands and their restoration. This includes Pallikaranai marshland in the city.
State forest secretary Supriya Sahu said the project aims to enhance the resilience and sustainable utilization of coastal resources. It envisions a holistic integration of various sectors to drive a resilient and circular blue economy, and enhance local livelihood and capacities for a greener future. To achieve these objectives, the project identified five thematic investment areas, she said.
As part of coastal protection component of the scheme, the government will focus on establishing a comprehensive coastal protection strategy. Issues such as coastal erosion will be addressed under this component by adopting green or hybrid erosion control measures, prioritising an ecosystem-based approach that places emphasis on safeguarding coastal wetlands and estuaries. A special Purpose Vehicle — the Tamil Nadu blue carbon agency’ will be set up under the project to ensure focussed attention on overseeing the preservation and restoration of targeted coastal ecosystems, including mangroves, seagrass, and salt marshes. The third component is improving livelihood. This component centres around enhancing livelihoods by endorsing initiatives that promote alternative and sustainable means of living for coastal communities.
The fourth and fifth are pollution abatement and project management. The primary focus is on the management and reduction of plastic waste in coastal and marine environments. It will address the operational needs of the project, which includes engagement of consultancy technical, and management services, analytical studies, and administrative matters, she said.
