TAMIL NADU BEGINS PROJECT TO SAVE ‘SINKING’ KARIYACHALLI ISLAND
Introduction
The Tamil Nadu government has commenced a ₹50-crore coastal restoration project to save the rapidly eroding Kariyachalli Island in the Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park under the Tamil Nadu SHORE (Sustainably Harnessing Ocean Resources) Initiative.The project aims to:
- combat severe coastal erosion,
- restore coral reef ecosystems,
- enhance marine biodiversity,
- and protect livelihoods dependent on coastal ecosystems.
The initiative is significant as it demonstrates the growing role of:
- nature-based coastal restoration,
- artificial reefs,
- and ecosystem-based adaptation strategies
in addressing climate and coastal challenges.
Why Kariyachalli Island is in Danger
Kariyachalli Island has experienced alarming coastal erosion.
Extent of Shrinkage
| Year | Area |
|---|
| 1969 | 20.85 hectares |
| 2018 | 5.97 hectares |
The island has lost:
- more than 71% of its landmass.
Experts have warned that:
- the island could disappear entirely by 2036
if erosion continues at the current pace.
What Restoration Measures are Being Taken?
Artificial Reef Deployment
The project will deploy:
- 8,500 multipurpose artificial reef modules
around the island.
These reef modules are:
- trapezoidal structures,
- made of ferrocement and steel,
- with perforations to allow nutrient flow.
Dimensions of Reef Modules
| Feature | Details |
|---|
| Height | 2–3 metres |
| Weight | 1.8–3 tonnes |
How Artificial Reefs Help Restore the Island
Restoration Mechanism
The artificial reefs are strategically placed to:
- reduce wave energy,
- slow coastal erosion,
- encourage sediment deposition,
- and create habitats for marine organisms.
As sediment accumulates:
- the shoreline stabilises,
- coral colonies begin to regenerate,
- and marine biodiversity improves.
Scientific Basis of the Project
The reef design and layout were developed by:
based on:
- wave dynamics studies,
- bathymetry investigations,
- and ecological assessments.
Coral Reef and Seagrass Restoration
The project also includes:
- rehabilitation of degraded coral reefs,
- and restoration of seagrass beds.
Restoration Coverage
| Ecosystem | Area |
|---|
| Coral Reefs | 2 acres |
| Seagrass Beds | 3 acres |
Ecological Importance
Coral Reefs
Coral reefs help:
- protect coastlines from erosion,
- support marine biodiversity,
- and sustain fisheries.
Seagrass Beds
Seagrass ecosystems:
- support dugongs,
- absorb carbon,
- stabilize sediments,
- and improve coastal resilience.
Inspiration from Vaan Island Restoration
The Kariyachalli restoration draws inspiration from the successful:
- Vaan Island restoration project.
Achievements at Vaan Island
- More than 10,000 reef modules deployed.
- Increase in island area.
- Sediment accumulation observed.
- Growth of more than 37 coral species.
This demonstrated that:
- severe coastal degradation can be reversed through scientific ecosystem restoration.
Community and Livelihood Importance
The project is expected to benefit:
- coastal fishing communities,
- and nearby villages within a 10-km radius.
Villages Mentioned
- Vaipar
- Sippikulam
- Pattinamaruthoor
The initiative also aims to:
- create alternative livelihoods,
- support sustainable fisheries,
- and strengthen coastal resilience.
Importance for UPSC
The issue is important for:
- Blue Economy,
- climate adaptation,
- coastal ecosystem restoration,
- marine biodiversity conservation,
- and sustainable development.
The project is also relevant for:
- ecosystem-based disaster risk reduction,
- nature-based solutions,
- and climate-resilient infrastructure.
NECESSARY STATIC PART
Kariyachalli Island
- Located in the Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park.
- One of the 21 islands in the Gulf of Mannar region.
Major Threats
- Coastal erosion
- Coral reef degradation
- Sea-level rise
- Sediment loss
Gulf of Mannar
- Located between:
- southeastern India,
- and Sri Lanka.
Ecological Importance
- Coral reefs
- Seagrass beds
- Mangroves
- Rich marine biodiversity
Protected Status
- Gulf of Mannar Biosphere Reserve is India’s first marine biosphere reserve.
IIT Madras
- Established: 1959
- Location: Chennai
Functions
- Scientific research
- Ocean engineering
- Coastal ecosystem studies
Dugong
- Marine mammal also known as:
Conservation Status
Importance
- Associated with seagrass ecosystems.
- Important indicator species for marine ecosystem health.
Nature-Based Solutions (NbS)
Nature-based solutions involve:
- restoring natural ecosystems
to address: - climate change,
- biodiversity loss,
- coastal erosion,
- and disaster risks.
Examples:
- coral reef restoration,
- mangrove restoration,
- wetland conservation,
- seagrass restoration.
News Source: The New Indian ExpressUpdated – 14 May 2025 ; 09:53 AM