National Coastal Mission Scheme: Boosting Conservation and Sustainable Development Along India’s Coastline

National Coastal Mission Scheme: Boosting Conservation and Sustainable Development Along India’s Coastline

The National Coastal Mission Scheme (NCM) under the National Coastal Management Program is designed to address various aspects of coastal management and conservation. The scheme includes the following components:

Components of NCM

  1. Management Action Plan on Conservation of Mangroves and Coral Reefs
    • Focuses on the conservation and protection of mangroves and coral reefs.
  2. Research & Development in Marine and Coastal Ecosystem
    • Encourages research and development activities to understand and preserve marine and coastal ecosystems.
  3. Sustainable Development of Beaches
    • Conducted under the Beach Environment & Aesthetic Management Service (BEAMS) for the sustainable development and maintenance of beaches.
  4. Capacity Building / Outreach Programme
    • Targets Coastal States/UTs to enhance their capabilities in conserving marine and coastal ecosystems, including organizing beach cleaning drives.

Implementing Agencies

  • The NCM is implemented by the State Governments of Coastal States and Union Territory (UT) Administrations.
  • Funds are allocated to these coastal States/Union Territories based on the review of proposals submitted to the Ministry.

Financial Support

  • From 2018-19 to 2023-24, a total of ₹7.94 crore has been released under the Externally Aided Programme (EAP) and non-EAP components for Andhra Pradesh. This funding supports infrastructure development, pollution abatement, safety surveillance, and beach cleaning.

Integrated Coastal Zone Management Project (ICZMP)

  • The Government of India, through the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), has implemented the Integrated Coastal Zone Management Project (ICZMP).
  • The ICZMP has contributed to various activities including:
    • Mapping of hazard lines.
    • Identifying eco-sensitive areas.
    • Delineating sediment cells along the entire coastline of India, including Andhra Pradesh.

Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs):

  1. What is one of the key components of the National Coastal Mission Scheme (NCM)?
    • A. Development of inland water transport
    • B. Conservation of mangroves and coral reefs
    • C. Construction of coastal highways
    • D. Establishment of new ports
    • Answer: B. Conservation of mangroves and coral reefs
  2. Which service is associated with the sustainable development of beaches under the NCM?
    • A. Marine Infrastructure Service
    • B. Coastal Protection Service
    • C. Beach Environment & Aesthetic Management Service
    • D. Shoreline Development Service
    • Answer: C. Beach Environment & Aesthetic Management Service
  3. Who are the implementing agencies of the National Coastal Mission Scheme (NCM)?
    • A. Private companies
    • B. State Governments of Coastal States and Union Territory Administrations
    • C. Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs)
    • D. International environmental bodies
    • Answer: B. State Governments of Coastal States and Union Territory Administrations
  4. How much funding has been released for Andhra Pradesh from 2018-19 to 2023-24 under the NCM?
    • A. ₹5.60 crore
    • B. ₹6.72 crore
    • C. ₹7.94 crore
    • D. ₹8.50 crore
    • Answer: C. ₹7.94 crore
  5. What project has contributed to the mapping of hazard lines along the coastline of India?
    • A. Coastal Safety Project
    • B. Integrated Coastal Zone Management Project (ICZMP)
    • C. National Marine Conservation Project
    • D. Coastal Infrastructure Development Project
    • Answer: B. Integrated Coastal Zone Management Project (ICZMP)