Parliament Question: Funds for Mangrove forests and estuaries in Tamil Nadu

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE RAJYA SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 4373 TO BE ANSWERED ON 02.04.2026 Funds for Mangrove forests and estuaries in Tamil Nadu 4373. SHRI R. GIRIRAJAN: Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE be pleased to state: (a) whether the Central government has allocated any funds for protection and preservation of mangrove forests and estuaries in Tamil Nadu and if so, the details thereof; (b) whether Government has allocated any special funds for plantation of mangrove tree saplings in and around Chennai and other coastal areas of the State and if so, the details thereof; (c) whether Government proposes to introduce a special scheme in the interest of environmental protection, transparency and public participation and if so, the details thereof; and (d) the steps taken to develop Pitchavaram mangroves and Teri lands in the State? ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE (SHRI KIRTI VARDHAN SINGH) (a) to (c) The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change launched the Mangrove Initiative for Shoreline Habitats & Tangible Incomes (MISHTI) to restore and expand mangroves and enhance coastal ecosystem resilience. The initiative is being implemented through convergence with Central/State schemes, with provision for gap funding from National CAMPA based on proposals received from States and includes community participation. The State Government of Tamil Nadu has not submitted any proposal for gap funding under MISHTI. The Government of Tamil Nadu is implementing the Tamil Nadu Sustainable Harnessing of Ocean Resources and Blue Economy (TN-SHORE) programme also known as Tamil Nadu Coastal Restoration Mission, supported by the World Bank, focusing on coastal protection through bio-shields, natural barriers and community participation with the total outlay of ₹1,675 crore. In this regard, ₹38.29 crore has been sanctioned during FY 2024–25 for mangrove conservation, plantation, restoration of degraded mangroves and strengthening of coastal bio-shields across coastal districts, with emphasis on ecologically vulnerable and tsunami-prone areas. The Government of Tamil Nadu is also implementing the Green Tamil Nadu Mission under which mangrove plantation and rehabilitation are being undertaken in suitable coastal areas through site-specific models, assisted natural regeneration and community participation. These efforts complement ongoing coastal resilience initiatives by strengthening bio-shields, conserving biodiversity and supporting local livelihoods.(d) Under TN-SHORE, bio-shield and mangrove conservation activities have been taken up in Pichavaram, with restoration and afforestation being implemented by the Cuddalore Forest Division, covering 160 ha for restoration (FY 2025–27) and 20 ha for afforestation (FY 2027–28). A Mangrove Conservation Centre is also being established to support conservation, research, awareness and community participation. Further, the Teri (sand dune) areas are being managed through stabilization measures including plantation of native species, soil and moisture conservation and protection from anthropogenic pressures as per approved Working Plans. In Kuthiraimozhi Teri Reserve Forest, plantation has been carried out over 38.23 ha with 18,394 seedlings in the last two years. *****