Kariyachalli island restoration project

After the successful restoration of Vaan island in Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park, the Tamil Nadu government has commenced the restoration of Kariyachalli island in the Gulf of Mannar region.

About Kariyachalli island restoration project:

• Project Location: Kariyachalli island in the Gulf of Mannar region, Tamil Nadu.
• Initiative: Tamil Nadu Sustainably Harnessing Ocean Resource (TNSHORE) initiative.
• Context: Follows the successful restoration of Vaan island in Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park.
• Funding: ₹50 crore, jointly funded by the Tamil Nadu state government and the World Bank.
• Implementing Agencies:
  • Tamil Nadu Forest Department
  • IIT-Madras
  • Suganthi Devadason Marine Research Institute (SDMRI) in Thoothukudi
• Gulf of Mannar (GoM) Overview:
  • Located on the southeastern coast of India.
  • One of India’s four major coral reef areas.
  • Comprises 21 uninhabited low-lying islands within the Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park.
  • Stretches 160 km between Rameswaram and Thoothukudi.
• Kariyachalli Island Specifics:
  • Belongs to the Thoothukudi group of islands.
  • Located approximately 4 km south of Sippikulam and 20 km northeast of Thoothukudi old harbour.
  • Historical Area Shrinkage (according to SDMRI report):
    • 1969: 20.85 hectares
    • 1986 (Marine National Park notification): 16.64 hectares
    • 2017: 5.97 hectares
    • April 2025: 3.14 hectares (high tide), 4.12 hectares (low tide)
  • Geographical Features: Possesses beaches, sand dunes, spits, and sandy plains.

(Source: TH)