Why in News?

The Union Environment Minister launched the implementation Guidelines for National Coastal Mission 2.0 (NCM 2.0) in New Delhi.

Key Facts About NCM 2.0

  • Scheme type: Central Sector Scheme.
  • Approved outlay: ₹767 crore.
  • Implementation period: 2025-26 to 2030-31, aligned with the Finance Commission award period.
  • Subsumes: Earlier National Coastal Mission from 16 May 2025.
  • Vision: Conserve and protect coastal and marine ecosystems while promoting inclusive development, climate resilience and sustainable utilisation of coastal resources to unlock India's Blue Economy potential.
  • Coverage: 9 coastal States and 4 Union Territories.
  • States: Gujarat, Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha and West Bengal.
  • UTs: Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Puducherry and Lakshadweep.

Background

  • Builds on India's Blue Economy vision, earlier National Coastal Mission initiatives, the World Bank-assisted pilot project on Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZMP), and the Conservation and Management of Mangroves and Coral Reefs scheme.
  • Formulated as a consolidated framework for climate-resilient coastal management, ecosystem restoration and sustainable livelihoods.

Major Objectives

  • Climate adaptation and mitigation.
  • Conservation of mangroves, brackish-water wetlands and coral reefs.
  • Pollution control.
  • Sustainable livelihoods.
  • Capacity building.
  • Integrated Coastal Zone Management Plans (ICZMPs).
  • Coastal Marine Spatial Plans (CMSPs).

Five Components

  1. Climate Resilient Blue Economic Growth
  2. Coastal Vulnerability and Risk Reduction
  3. Climate Change Adaptation with mitigation co-benefits
  4. Capacity Building and Outreach
  5. Committed Liabilities and Project Management

Expected Outcomes

  • ICZMPs and CMSPs for 1,000 km of priority coastline.
  • Cumulative vulnerability assessment of India's coastline.
  • Restoration of coral reefs.
  • Mangrove restoration in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands.
  • Improved coastal water quality.
  • Green shoreline infrastructure.
  • Eco-friendly tourism.
  • Conservation of coastal mammals.

Significance

  • Reduces coastal vulnerability to erosion, flooding and salinity ingress.
  • Strengthens institutional capacity and community livelihoods.
  • Supports sustainable Blue Economy-led development in line with Atmanirbhar Bharat, Blue Economy Vision 2047 and Viksit Bharat.
  • Directly relevant to SDG 14 (Life Below Water), climate resilience and integrated coastal governance.

Legal and Institutional Context

  • Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) Notification under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.
  • Biodiversity conservation frameworks such as the Biological Diversity Act, 2002 and Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
  • ICZMP framework and institutions such as the National Centre for Sustainable Coastal Management (NCSCM).
  • Nodal ministry: Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.

UPSC Relevance

  • Prelims: Scheme outlay, period, coverage, objectives, components, implementing ministry and expected outcomes.
  • Mains: Coastal governance, climate adaptation, Blue Economy, sustainable development, institutional capacity and community livelihoods.