World Bank Backs Rs 1.77 Billion Project to Aid Coastal Communities

15 Sep 2025 CW Team

The $212.64 million (around Rs 1.77 billion) Strengthening Coastal Resilience and the Economy (SHORE) project is part of the $850 million (around Rs 7.08 billion) SHORE programme launched by the World Bank to address challenges faced by coastal populations.

India has a coastline stretching over 11,000 km, with one-third vulnerable to erosion and extreme climate events. Approximately 250 million people rely on coastal areas for their livelihoods. The coastline is home to 18,000 known species of flora and fauna, providing vital economic opportunities and income sources for coastal communities.

However, marine ecosystems are increasingly at risk due to coastal erosion, pollution, intensive fishing, mangrove forest degradation and urban pressures.

“In Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, the project will support the coastal management plans of the two states by helping 100,000 people through enhanced knowledge, skill development and by leveraging funds for government agencies and local communities,” a World Bank press release said on Wednesday.

The programme will also train 70,000 people, including women, in sectors such as sustainable tourism to develop new income streams.

World Bank’s Acting Country Director for India, Paul Procee, said, “India’s Vision 2030 has recognised the potential of the blue economy to drive its economic growth. This project will help states tap into private sector sources to mitigate the impacts of plastic pollution and foster eco-tourism in selected areas.”

“For example, private sector intervention can help strengthen plastic waste value chains and establish environmentally friendly beaches while also creating economic opportunities for coastal communities,” he added.

The project will also assist the two states in conserving 30,000 hectares of seascapes through initiatives such as mangrove planting and sand dune restoration, the press release noted.

The World Bank has approved a new programme to support coastal communities in India by conserving ecosystems, reducing plastic pollution and creating jobs for 100,000 people in Tamil Nadu and Karnataka.The $212.64 million (around Rs 1.77 billion) Strengthening Coastal Resilience and the Economy (SHORE) project is part of the $850 million (around Rs 7.08 billion) SHORE programme launched by the World Bank to address challenges faced by coastal populations.India has a coastline stretching over 11,000 km, with one-third vulnerable to erosion and extreme climate events. Approximately 250 million people rely on coastal areas for their livelihoods. The coastline is home to 18,000 known species of flora and fauna, providing vital economic opportunities and income sources for coastal communities.However, marine ecosystems are increasingly at risk due to coastal erosion, pollution, intensive fishing, mangrove forest degradation and urban pressures.“In Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, the project will support the coastal management plans of the two states by helping 100,000 people through enhanced knowledge, skill development and by leveraging funds for government agencies and local communities,” a World Bank press release said on Wednesday.The programme will also train 70,000 people, including women, in sectors such as sustainable tourism to develop new income streams.World Bank’s Acting Country Director for India, Paul Procee, said, “India’s Vision 2030 has recognised the potential of the blue economy to drive its economic growth. This project will help states tap into private sector sources to mitigate the impacts of plastic pollution and foster eco-tourism in selected areas.”“For example, private sector intervention can help strengthen plastic waste value chains and establish environmentally friendly beaches while also creating economic opportunities for coastal communities,” he added.The project will also assist the two states in conserving 30,000 hectares of seascapes through initiatives such as mangrove planting and sand dune restoration, the press release noted.

Infrastructure Urban

27 Oct 2025

Coal Ministry Achieves Milestones under Special Campaign 5.0

The Ministry of Coal and its Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) have achieved notable milestones under the Special Campaign 5.0, focusing on cleanliness, operational efficiency, and sustainability across the coal sector. During the implementation phase from 2–31 October 2025, over 1,205 sites were cleaned, covering 68,04,087 sq ft, nearing the target of 82,51,511 sq ft. Scrap disposal of 5,813 MT against a target of 8,678 MT generated Rs 228.7 million in revenue. In addition, 1,11,248 physical and 30,331 electronic files were reviewed, with 74,123 weeded out or closed. Key initiatives showc..

Infrastructure Energy

27 Oct 2025

Vesting Orders Issued for Three Coal Blocks under Commercial Auctions

The Ministry of Coal’s Nominated Authority has issued vesting orders for three coal blocks under commercial coal block auctions on 23 October 2025. The Coal Mine Development and Production Agreements (CMDPAs) for these mines were earlier signed on 21 August 2025. The three blocks include Rajgamar Dipside (Deavnara), Tangardihi North, and Mahuagarhi. Of these, two are partially explored while one is fully explored, with a combined peak rated capacity of around 1 MTPA and geological reserves of approximately 1,484.41 million tonnes. These mines are expected to generate annual revenue of abou..

Infrastructure Urban

27 Oct 2025

TEC, IIT-Hyderabad Partner to Boost 6G and Telecom Standards

The Telecommunication Engineering Centre (TEC), technical arm of the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad (IIT Hyderabad) for joint research and technical collaboration in advanced telecom technologies and standardisation. The partnership focuses on developing India-specific standards and test frameworks for next-generation networks, including 6G, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTNs). It also aims to enhance India’s participation in international standardisation f..