CHENNAI: State Finance, Environment and Climate Change Minister Thangam Thennarasu launched the mangrove plantation drive at Adyar Estuary on Friday, as part of a grand initiative to protect Tamil Nadu’s vast yet vulnerable coastline, spread over 1,076 km.

The move aims to create a shield to protect the coastline from natural disasters, such as tsunamis, cyclones, and coastal erosion. The State government has initiated the rehabilitation of coastal habitats through the formation of a bio-shield (2023-24 – 2025-26) in the coastal districts of the State at an outlay of Rs 25 crore under the Climate Change Mission.

The event, led by the minister, was conducted to mark World Mangrove Day, celebrated annually on July 26, with the aim of protecting and sustainably managing mangrove forests by raising awareness among the public.

A department release stated that, so far, approximately 2,436 hectares of new mangrove plantations have been established under various schemes, and 1,207 hectares of degraded mangrove forests have been restored in collaboration with village mangrove councils, comprising local communities.

"About 6 lakh mangrove seedlings are proposed to be planted during the year 2025-26 under Tamil Nadu Sustainably Harnessing Ocean Resources and Blue Economy (TN-SHORE) project, creation of bio-shield to protect from sea level rise and coastal erosion in Cuddalore and Thoothukudi districts," the release added.

Department secretary Supriya Sahu and senior officials participated in the plantation event.