SYLLABUS

GS-1: geographical features and their location- changes in critical geographical features (including waterbodies and ice-caps).

GS-3: Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment.

Context: Ministry for Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) launched the Implementation Guidelines for the National Coastal Mission (NCM) 2.0, providing a streamlined framework for strengthening coastal resilience, ecosystem conservation and sustainable Blue Economy development.

Key Guidelines for implementation of NCM 2.0

• Whole-of-government approach: The Guidelines establish coordinated implementation among the MoEFCC, coastal States/UTs, Implementing Agencies and other stakeholders, with clear institutional responsibilities and convergence with existing government schemes.

• Institutional framework: A Project Steering Committee (PSC), chaired by the Secretary, MoEFCC, is the apex decision-making body. 

• A Project Management Cell (PMC) supports planning, appraisal, monitoring and reporting, while the Sustainable Coastal Management Division (SCMD) administers the Mission. 
• The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) functions as the Central Nodal Agency for fund flow and financial monitoring.

• State and UT participation: Coastal States and UTs are essential implementation partners. 

• Each participating State/UT will nominate a State Nodal Coordination Officer (SNCO) and execute a single MoU with MoEFCC. 
• States/UTs will support project preparation, statutory clearances, community participation, data sharing and long-term operation and maintenance.

• Scientific project planning: Projects will follow a defined lifecycle covering Concept Note, Pre-Feasibility Report, Detailed Project Report, independent technical appraisal, approval and implementation. 

• Projects are required to have measurable outputs, outcomes and Key Performance Indicators, environmental safeguards and risk-management provisions.

• Monitoring and accountability: The Guidelines provide for a Management Information System, regular physical and financial progress monitoring, grievance redressal, third-party assessment, statutory audit and mid-course corrections based on evaluation findings.

• Major intervention areas: Implementation includes climate-resilient coastal tourism, pollution abatement and monitoring, coral reef conservation and restoration, coastal and marine dolphin conservation, green coastal infrastructure for eroding coastlines.

• It also includes Integrated Coastal Zone Management Plans (ICZMPs), Coastal and Marine Spatial Plans (CMSPs), and capacity building and environmental awareness.

About the National Coastal Mission 2.0

• The National Coastal Mission (NCM) was implemented during 2021–22 to 2025–26 for conservation of mangroves and coral reefs, coastal and marine research, sustainable beaches and capacity building.

• The erstwhile NCM was subsumed into NCM 2.0 from 16 May 2025. 

• NCM 2.0 is a Central Sector Scheme, administered directly by the MoEFCC.

• NCM 2.0 has an approved outlay of ₹767 crore for 2025–26 to 2030–31. 

• Vision: To conserve and protect coastal and marine ecosystems while promoting sustainable and inclusive development, climate resilience and Blue Economy potential. 

• Coverage: It covers nine coastal States—Gujarat, Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha and West Bengal—and four Union Territories—Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Puducherry and Lakshadweep.

• Key expected outcomes include ICZMPs and CMSPs for about 1,000 km of priority coastline, improved coastal water quality, reduced vulnerability to erosion, salinity ingress and flooding, restoration of coral reefs and mangroves, eco-friendly tourism infrastructure, and improved livelihood opportunities for coastal communities.