Tamil Nadu Budget 2026: TN-SHORE project offers fillip to mangrove afforestation, restoration in Kanniyakumari
The Tamil Nadu government has announced the TN-SHORE project to restore and expand mangrove forests across eight districts, including Kanniyakumari. The initiative aims to improve coastal resilience and support local fishing communities by enhancing aquatic habitats.
Why it matters
Mangrove restoration is a vital strategy for climate change adaptation and protecting coastal biodiversity in India.
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).
Mr. 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.
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