Tamil Nadu is hoping to take the lead in tackling the impact of climate change through nine components under its Climate Change Mission for 2022-23. The State has already made climate change an integral part of its Environment and Forest Department.
This year, it has earmarked ₹77 crore for the mission, and ₹50 crore will be spent on the rehabilitation of coastal habitats for climate change adaptation through eco-friendly solutions. Formation of bio-shields through the cultivation of casuarina, palmyrah, cashew and other specialised species would be taken up. “Also, the government will propagate mangrove plantations in coastal districts where it naturally grows in local ecosystems,” says Supriya Sahu, Additional Chief Secretary, Environment, Climate Change and Forests Department.
The objectives are the protection of coasts, the reduction of soil erosion, salinity control and improvement of biodiversity. While palmyrah and cashew plantation are drought-resistant, the mangroves would act as coastal defense.
