Tamil Nadu’s first Mangrove Conservation Centre coming up in Muzhukuthurai
The State’s first Mangrove Conservation Centre to come up at Muzhukuthurai near Killai in Cuddalore district will serve as a hub for the conservation and
The State’s first Mangrove Conservation Centre to come up at Muzhukuthurai near Killai in Cuddalore district will serve as a hub for the conservation and sustainable management of mangrove ecosystems, promoting scientific research, biodiversity conservation, climate resilience, environmental education, and community participation. The groundbreaking ceremony for the Mangrove Conservation Centre was held on Wednesday by A. Periasamy, Chief Conservator of Forests, Villupuram Circle under the Tamil Nadu Shoreline Restoration Initiative (TN-SHORE). The project, with an estimated cost of ₹26.50 crore, aims to establish a dedicated centre for mangrove conservation, ecological restoration, scientific research, and public awareness while strengthening the protection and restoration of Tamil Nadu’s coastal ecosystems.
According to an official, Pichavaram hosts one of the largest and most ecologically-sensitive mangrove forests in India. Despite this, there is a lack of dedicated infrastructure for conservation education and sustainable eco-tourism. The project aims to bridge this gap through an iconic, eco-sensitive development. Sustainable and beneficial The Centre will support India’s commitment to Ramsar Convention and wetland conservation while enhancing public awareness, scientific understanding, and stakeholder agreement. The idea is that the project becomes environmentally sustainable and economically beneficial to the people while promoting leisure and recreation-based excursion in a sustainable and integrated manner. According to Mr. Periasamy, “The establishment of the Mangrove Conservation Centre involved extensive stakeholder consultations.
During the initial stages, certain local concerns and implementation challenges arose regarding the proposed project. These issues were addressed through coordinated efforts by the Cuddalore District Administration, Forest Department, Revenue Department, and Police Department. Several rounds of discussions were held with the local community, leading to a mutually acceptable resolution and paving the way for successful implementation of the project.” During the consultations, the local community placed forward livelihood-oriented requests, including the provision of solar streetlights, drinking water facilities, and eco-tourism-related infrastructure to improve village amenities and promote sustainable livelihoods. The District Administration and the Tamil Nadu Forest Department acknowledged their requests to consider them positively for implementation under appropriate government programmes.
The BriefWire