Question : CHECK ON EROSION OF SEA COASTS

(a) whether the coastal areas have become more insecure in terms of erosion due to sea level rise as a result of global warming;

(b) if so, the reaction of the Government thereto;

(c) whether any study was conducted in this regard;

(d) if so, the details of the areas found more vulnerable in the country including Tamil Nadu;

(e) whether any scheme has been introduced to control the erosion of sea coasts and if so, the details thereof;

(f) whether the Government has taken any steps for providing alternate house to those who lost their house in erosion of coastal areas; and

(g) if so, the details thereof and the steps taken by the Government in this regard?

MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) FOR ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS (SHRIMATI JAYANTHI NATARAJAN)

(a) & (b) Scientific studies and relevant assessments recognize possible threats to coastline and beaches from global warming and likely impacts of sea level rise. The key impacts of sea level rise include coastal erosion, saline intrusion into freshwater lanes, and increased flooding from the sea. Vulnerability of Coastal areas in India has been engaging the attention of Government. Government has been attempting to address this issue through science-based assessments of the vulnerability, while coordinating adaptation actions at the national and state level.

(c) & (d) No specific study of on assessment on erosion of coastal area due to sea level rise in the context of climate change has been conducted.

(e) Under the Scheme of National Coastal Management Programme, an Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM) Project has been undertaken with the assistance of World Bank to build capacity at National and State level (in the States of Gujarat, Odisha and West Bengal) and to enable coastal States/UTs to prepare Integrated Coastal Zone Management Plans, activities under ICZM Project.

(f) & (g) All State Governments including coastal states are requested to prepare State Action Plan on Climate Change to address the challenges of global warming and climate change through various adaptation and mitigation measures. Government of India is also implementing the National Mission on Sustainable Habitat under the National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC) which includes activities for managing the coastal zone.