Tamil Nadu Budget 2026: TN-SHORE project offers fillip to mangrove afforestation, restoration in Kanniyakumari
Under the TN-SHORE project, the State government is set to undertake the initiative of mangrove afforestation and restoration of degraded mangrove forests in Kanniyakumari, as
Under the TN-SHORE project, the State government is set to undertake the initiative of mangrove afforestation and restoration of degraded mangrove forests in Kanniyakumari, as announced by Tamil Nadu Finance Minister N. Marie Wilson, in the maiden Budget of the TVK-led coalition government on Wednesday (August 5, 2026). Wilson has said that the project would be implemented over 2,500 hectares in Cuddalore, Villupuram, Chengalpattu, Mayiladuthurai, Nagapattinam, Tiruvarur, Thanjavur and Kanniyakumari districts.
In Kanniyakumari district, mangrove forests are primarily found in Manakudy and Rajakkamangalam. The mangrove ecosystem at Manakudy estuary is a vital ecological habitat, supporting a rich diversity of aquatic species while serving as a seasonal refuge for several local and migratory birds. Siluvai Vaschian, founder of Heal Movement, who played a pivotal role in development of Manakudy mangrove forest in the late 1990’s, said the project presents an opportunity to expand the district’s existing mangrove cover.
He added that the district has mangrove wetlands only in Manakudy and Rajakkamanglam, where mangrove vegetation has already been established. The proposed initiative, he noted, could facilitate the expansion and strengthening of these ecosystems. “Channels can be created within these wetlands and mangrove can be planted along both sides of the channels, enabling the forest to expand naturally,” Mr. Vaschian added. Highlighting the spread of Prosopis juliflora in these mangrove forests, he stated that the periodic removal of these invasive species and ecological restoration of land are residential to sustain a healthy mangrove habitat.
Vaschian further said that mangrove afforestation and restoration would directly benefit the fishing community by enhancing the breeding and nursery habitats for fish, crabs and other aquatic species, thereby strengthening the coastal livelihoods while also improving the resilience of the ecosystem.
The BriefWire