National Coastal Management Programme

The National Coastal Management Programme (NCMP) is a comprehensive initiative of the Government of India aimed at ensuring the sustainable development, conservation, and management of the country’s coastal and marine environments. It integrates ecological preservation, livelihood improvement, disaster resilience, and climate adaptation into a unified policy framework for coastal governance.

Background

India has a coastline extending over 7,500 kilometres, encompassing a wide range of ecosystems such as beaches, mangroves, coral reefs, estuaries, lagoons, and wetlands. These coastal zones are vital to the country’s biodiversity, economy, and social fabric, supporting millions of livelihoods through fishing, tourism, and port activities.
However, India’s coasts face increasing threats from erosion, unplanned urbanisation, industrial development, sea-level rise, and extreme weather events. To address these challenges, the Government launched the National Coastal Management Programme to strengthen the management of coastal and marine resources, balancing environmental sustainability with economic development.
The NCMP aligns with national policies such as the Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) Notification, 2019, India’s National Action Plan on Climate Change, and international commitments under frameworks like the Convention on Biological Diversity and the Paris Climate Agreement.

Objectives

The NCMP seeks to achieve the following key objectives:

• Conservation and Restoration: Protect, conserve, and restore coastal and marine ecosystems, including mangroves, coral reefs, and wetlands.
• Sustainable Livelihoods: Promote eco-friendly economic opportunities and enhance the livelihoods of coastal communities, especially traditional fishers.
• Climate Resilience: Build resilience of coastal ecosystems and populations against sea-level rise, erosion, and natural disasters.
• Integrated Management: Strengthen governance through science-based, integrated coastal zone management planning.
• Data and Research: Improve data collection, scientific monitoring, and capacity building for informed decision-making.
• Public Awareness: Encourage stakeholder participation and awareness about the importance of coastal and marine conservation.

Institutional Framework and Components

The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) is the nodal agency responsible for implementing the NCMP, in collaboration with coastal State and Union Territory Governments. The National Centre for Sustainable Coastal Management (NCSCM) in Chennai acts as the main scientific and technical support institution.
The programme functions through several interconnected components:

1. Coastal Zone Management Plans (CZMPs): Preparation and implementation of CZMPs for each coastal state and union territory, identifying ecologically sensitive areas, permissible land uses, and conservation priorities.
2. National Coastal Mission: A key component focusing on climate change mitigation and adaptation through restoration of degraded ecosystems and strengthening coastal infrastructure.
3. Ecosystem Conservation Projects: Protection and regeneration of mangroves, coral reefs, sand dunes, and wetlands using community-based and nature-based solutions.
4. Disaster Risk Reduction: Implementation of measures to minimise damage from cyclones, floods, and erosion through sustainable coastal protection and early warning systems.
5. Research, Monitoring, and Capacity Building: Collection of scientific data, satellite mapping, and training programmes for stakeholders and local governance bodies to ensure evidence-based management.
6. Community Participation and Awareness: Involvement of coastal communities in decision-making processes, promoting education, skill development, and eco-tourism initiatives.

Implementation Strategy

The NCMP adopts a multi-tier governance structure comprising:

• Central Level: Policy formulation, coordination, and funding by MoEFCC.
• State/UT Level: Implementation through State Coastal Zone Management Authorities.
• District and Local Levels: Execution of community-based projects and awareness programmes.

The programme is funded under a centrally sponsored model, with cost-sharing between the Centre and coastal states/UTs. Emphasis is placed on:

• Integrating climate adaptation and biodiversity conservation in coastal planning.
• Using nature-based approaches such as mangrove plantations and dune stabilisation.
• Strengthening infrastructure in vulnerable coastal regions, including cyclone shelters, drainage systems, and erosion control structures.
• Enhancing data-driven decision-making using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and remote sensing.

Significance

The National Coastal Management Programme is a cornerstone of India’s efforts to promote sustainable coastal development. Its importance can be summarised as follows:

• Environmental Protection: Preserves fragile ecosystems and biodiversity crucial for maintaining ecological balance.
• Socio-economic Development: Improves livelihoods for millions of people who depend on fishing, aquaculture, and tourism.
• Climate Change Adaptation: Builds resilience to sea-level rise, storm surges, and coastal flooding.
• Disaster Preparedness: Enhances the capacity of coastal communities to withstand and recover from natural disasters.
• Scientific and Policy Integration: Ensures that coastal development projects are aligned with environmental and social safeguards.

Challenges

Despite its achievements, the NCMP faces several challenges:

• Delayed Implementation: Slow preparation and approval of Coastal Zone Management Plans in some states.
• Coordination Issues: Overlapping jurisdiction among multiple ministries and departments dealing with coastal resources.
• Resource Constraints: Limited financial and human resources for large-scale ecosystem restoration and monitoring.
• Urbanisation and Industrial Pressure: Rapid expansion of ports, tourism infrastructure, and industries affecting coastal habitats.
• Climate Stress: Increasing sea-level rise, salinity intrusion, and erosion that outpace restoration efforts.

Future Directions

To enhance its effectiveness, the future strategy of the National Coastal Management Programme includes:

• Expanding mangrove and coral reef restoration under nature-based solutions.
• Promoting sustainable coastal tourism and livelihood diversification.
• Strengthening research collaborations between national and international institutions.
• Establishing real-time monitoring systems for coastal erosion, biodiversity health, and pollution levels.
• Integrating the NCMP with India’s blue economy framework to ensure ecologically sound coastal development.