TAG: GS 3: ECOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENT
THE CONTEXT: Tamil Nadu’s commitment to environmental conservation shines through its successful efforts to save Vaan Island in the Gulf of Mannar, the country’s first marine biosphere.
EXPLANATION:
- The government’s collaboration with marine scientists has not only rescued Vaan Island but also set the stage for the restoration of another imperiled island, Kariyachalli.
- This initiative, part of the Tamil Nadu Coastal Restoration Mission, exemplifies the state’s dedication to preserving marine biodiversity and safeguarding coastal ecosystems.
Rescuing Vaan Island:
- Vaan Island, threatened by soil erosion from rampant coral mining and rising sea levels due to climate change, was on the brink of submersion.
- Through a strategic intervention, over 10,000 artificial reef modules were deployed on the ocean floor.
- These modules, meticulously designed to dissipate wave energy and encourage sediment deposition, contributed to the island’s resurgence.
- From a diminished state, Vaan Island expanded to 3.79 hectares during low tide and 1.71 hectares during high tide in September 2023, showcasing the success of the restoration project.
Government’s Resolve for Kariyachalli:
- Buoyed by the success of the Vaan Island restoration, the Tamil Nadu government has earmarked ₹50 crore for the restoration of Kariyachalli, the fourth island on the Thoothukudi side.
- This proactive step is in line with the predictions that both Kariyachalli and Kasuwari Islands would sink by 2035 without intervention.
- The groundwork has been completed, and discussions with the World Bank are underway.
- The restoration, scheduled for the 2024-25 fiscal year, is expected to take up to three years.
Global Tender and Collaboration:
- Similar to the Vaan Island project, global tenders will be floated for the restoration of Kariyachalli.
- The involvement of the World Bank emphasizes the global significance of preserving these islands.
- The collaborative approach, encompassing international agencies, reflects a shared responsibility for marine conservation.
Challenges of Coral Mining:
- The Gulf of Mannar, hosting 21 low-lying uninhabited coral-reef islands, faced challenges from coral mining for over a century.
- The exploitation of boulders and branching coral species for construction and industrial purposes led to severe erosion, submersion of islands, and a decline in the area of several islands.
Scientific Solutions and Artificial Reef Deployment:
- In response to the environmental degradation, the Tamil Nadu government and scientists implemented scientific solutions.
- The deployment of artificial reef modules, carefully designed based on bathymetry and wave dynamic studies, played a pivotal role.
- These modules, constructed with ferro-cement and steel reinforcement, not only stabilized the island but also fostered biodiversity and enhanced fishery production.
Success Metrics and Biodiversity Enhancement:
- The artificial reef modules, numbering 10,600, were strategically placed, resulting in increased island size and changes in bathymetry.
- The success of the restoration is evident in the shallowing of waters around the spit, indicating exposure of more land in the future.
- Furthermore, the artificial reef sites, protected within the Marine Park, have become havens for coral recruits, supporting over 37 species and contributing to the stabilization of the island.
Hope for Coastal Ecosystem Restoration:
- The restoration of Vaan Island stands as a beacon of hope in the changing climatic scenario.
- In the face of various environmental threats, this successful model offers optimism for coastal ecosystem restoration.
- The protection of coasts, conservation of biodiversity, and support for the livelihoods of dependent fisherfolk are integral to the mission’s overarching goals.
Conclusion:
- Tamil Nadu’s proactive measures in island restoration underscore the imperative of safeguarding marine ecosystems.
- As the state gears up to rescue Kariyachalli, it reinforces the commitment to sustainable environmental practices, offering a blueprint for coastal restoration initiatives globally.
- The success of Vaan Island serves as a testament to the synergy between government initiatives, scientific expertise, and international collaboration in the pursuit of ecological preservation.