Context:
Tamil Nadu pioneered a model for saving the sinking Kariyachalli Island in the Gulf of Mannar.
Kariyachalli Island Restoration Project:
- Part of the Tamil Nadu Coastal Restoration Mission
- Successfully brought back submerged Vaan Island to life.
- Tenure – 4 years from 2024-25.
- Funded by – World Bank assistance.
Studies predicted – Kariyachalli and Kasuwari Islands in Gulf of Mannar region will sink by 2035.
Kasuwari Island proposed for restoration project.
Kariyachalli Island:
- Also known as Kariya Shulli Tivu or Karai Challi Island
- Location – Gulf of Mannar (Tamil Nadu)
- Protected under the Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park.
- Submergence – 16 hectares shrunked to 5.97 hectares
- The Tamil Nadu Forest Department is in the process of manual removal of invasive species in the island.
Vaan Island:
- One among the 21 islands located about 6 km off Thoothukudi
- Low-lying island with small-scale sand dunes, mostly composed of reef sediments.
- Mainly fringing type of coral reefs occurs around this island.
Gulf of Mannar:
- A set of 21 islands in total which includes estuaries, beaches, mudflats etc.
- Location – South-east coast of India across from Sri Lanka
- Threats – Coral mining
Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park:
- Location – Tamil Nadu.
- 1st Marine Biosphere Reserve in the South and South East Asia.
Read more about: Biosphere Reserve, Coral Reef
Source: The Hindu
Previous Year Question
“Biorock technology” is talked about in which one of the following situations?
[UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2022 Prelims]
(a) Restoration of damaged coral reefs
(b) Development of building materials using plant residues
(c) Identification of areas for exploration/extraction of shale gas
(d) Providing salt licks for wild animals in forests/protected areas
Answer: (a)
