Tamil Nadu is one of the coastal states of India, with a coastline of 1,076 km, spanning 14 districts. The state has rich and diverse coastal ecosystems, such as mangroves, coral reefs, salt marshes, beaches and islands, that provide various ecosystem services and support the livelihoods of millions of people. However, these ecosystems are under threat from various factors, such as pollution, overexploitation, climate change and natural disasters. To address these challenges and to capitalise on the potential of the blue economy, the Tamil Nadu government has announced a new policy TN-SHORE to restore coastal resources.
TN-SHORE: A mission to restore coastal resources
TN-SHORE (Neithal Meetchi Iyakkam) is a mission to restore coastal resources across 14 districts of Tamil Nadu. The mission has been allocated Rs 1,675 crore for the financial year 2024-25. The main objectives of the mission are:
- To enhance biodiversity by protecting and restoring coastal ecosystems, such as mangroves, coral reefs and salt marshes.
- To improve the livelihoods of local communities by promoting sustainable fisheries, ecotourism, waste management and circular economy solutions.
- To contain pollution in coastal areas by rejuvenating creeks, rivers and estuaries, and by implementing plastic waste management initiatives.
Key initiatives under TN-SHORE
Some of the key initiatives under TN-SHORE are:
- Conservation of mangroves in Pichavaram, Muthupet and Vedaranyam.
- Revival of coral reefs at Kariyachalli islands in the Gulf of Mannar.
- Establishment of a botanical garden in Kadambur, Chengalpattu, in collaboration with London Kew Gardens.
- Establishment of sea turtle conservation centres in Nagapattinam and Chennai.
- Establishment of an international dugong conservation centre in Manora, Thanjavur.
- Rejuvenation of Ennore Creek at a cost of Rs 40 crore.
- Development of major beaches across the state to obtain Blue Flag certification.
- Involvement of youth from coastal communities in plastic waste management and disposal of abandoned fishing gears.
Conclusion
TN-SHORE is a visionary policy that aims to restore coastal resources and capitalise on the blue economy in Tamil Nadu. The policy will not only benefit the environment and biodiversity, but also the socio-economic development and well-being of the coastal communities. TN-SHORE is an example of how nature conservation and economic growth can go hand in hand.
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