August 01, 2025
- The Tamil Nadu government has begun work on restoring an island known for its diverse ecosystem in the Gulf of Mannar.
- Climate change, coral mining and erosion of the coast are some of the factors that have led to the significant shrinkage of Kariyachalli Island over the years.
- Tamil Nadu Forest Department has partnered with the Suganthi Devadason Marine Research Institute in Thoothukudi and the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras to execute this ₹50 crore effort.
- The project involves reviving ecologically vital seagrass beds and coral reefs and installing 8,500 artificial reef structures that will safeguard the island’s coast from erosion.
Image for representational purposes
