Why in news?
With India’s long coastline facing rising sea levels and frequent storms, attention has turned to institutions that support coastal planning. The National Centre for Sustainable Coastal Management (NCSCM) has recently been highlighted by policymakers for its role in providing scientific guidance and capacity building to coastal states.
Background
The Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change established NCSCM in 2011 at Chennai. Its mandate is to conduct research and provide advice on integrated coastal zone management (ICZM). The centre’s vision is to be a world‑class knowledge institution on coastal zones, environments, resources and processes. It supports federal and state governments as well as local communities in protecting and sustainably utilising India’s 7,500‑kilometre coastline.
Key objectives and activities
- Integrated management: Promote sustainable development of coastal and marine areas for the wellbeing of traditional communities and future generations.
- Policy advice: Provide scientific input to the Union and State governments on matters related to ICZM, including environmental impact assessments and regulatory frameworks.
- Hazard mapping: In collaboration with the Survey of India, NCSCM has mapped a “hazard line” for the entire coast, identifying areas vulnerable to flooding, erosion and sea‑level rise. The maps aid disaster management planning and coastal zoning.
- Capacity building: Conduct training programmes and workshops for officials, scientists and community members to enhance knowledge on coastal ecology, governance and climate adaptation.
- Research divisions: The centre houses divisions on geospatial sciences, remote sensing and GIS, integrated social sciences and economics, coastal environmental impact assessment, conservation of coastal and marine resources, and governance and policy. It also has a unit for integrated island management.
Conclusion
As climate change intensifies coastal hazards, NCSCM’s research and advisory services have become indispensable. By integrating science, policy and community engagement, the centre helps India balance development aspirations with the need to conserve fragile coastal ecosystems.