The World Bank is shaking things up in Tamil Nadu by skipping the usual bidding process and sending funds straight to local village groups. This new approach powers the Tamil Nadu Strengthening Coastal Resilience and the Economy Project, known as TN-SHORE. It aims to protect and boost the state’s 906-kilometer coastline across all 14 coastal districts.
Local Village Mangrove Councils, or VMCs, will take the lead. These community groups, set up like societies with joint bank accounts run by the council president and a forest officer, will handle key tasks. They plan to plant mangroves on 300 hectares of new land and restore 700 hectares of damaged wetlands. Funds for activities like growing nurseries, planting mangroves, fixing wetlands, and building bioshields will go directly into those accounts.
This setup is a lot like the successful Village Forest Committees already working in the area. Officials say it keeps things efficient and community-focused.
Tamil Nadu faces big challenges with its shores. A World Bank report highlights that 43% of the coastline is at risk from erosion. The state has already lost 17% of its mangroves and about 10% of its coral reefs over time. That’s why restoration efforts target vital spots like Pulicat, Pichavaram, Muthupet, and the Gulf of Mannar.
Looking ahead, the five-year project includes Rs 100 crore for shoreline defenses and bioshields across 550 hectares. Teams will plant tough coastal trees such as casuarina, palmyrah, and cashew. These natural barriers will shield against cyclones, storm surges, and erosion while boosting biodiversity and creating jobs for locals.
Tamil Nadu has made impressive strides in mangrove conservation. The latest government report shows an 82% jump in coverage, from 23 square kilometers in 1987 to 41.91 square kilometers in 2023.
By putting communities in charge, this World Bank-backed initiative promises faster mangrove restoration, better transparency, and a real sense of ownership among coastal residents. It’s a smart step toward stronger, greener shores in Tamil Nadu.
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