National Coastal Mission 2.0 (NCM 2.0): Objectives, Features

Explore National Coastal Mission 2.0 (NCM 2.0), its objectives, five thematic pillars, coastal ecosystem restoration, climate resilience and significance for UPSC 2026.

Table of Contents

Context

The Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change launched the implementation guidelines for National Coastal Mission 2.0 (NCM 2.0) in New Delhi.

About NCM 2.0

Nature: A Central Sector Scheme that subsumes NCM 1.0 (2021–22 to 2025–26) and focuses on integrated conservation, climate resilience and sustainable use of coastal and marine ecosystems.
Coverage: Covers 9 coastal States and 4 coastal Union Territories during 2025–26 to 2030–31.
Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC).
Aim: Protect coastal ecosystems, reduce marine pollution, strengthen climate resilience and support India’s Blue Economy.

Key Features

Five Thematic Pillars: Blue Economy, coastal risk reduction, climate adaptation and mitigation, capacity building, and project management.
Marine Spatial Planning: Development of Integrated Coastal Zone Management Plans (ICZMPs) and Coastal Marine Spatial Plans across 1,000 km of priority coastline, supported by a standardised coastal vulnerability assessment.
Ecosystem Restoration: Supports mangrove and coral reef restoration and a Centre of Excellence on Corals for biodiversity conservation and blue-carbon enhancement.
Green Infrastructure & Tourism: Promotes green shoreline infrastructure, eco-friendly beach tourism and a Conservation and Information Centre-cum-Marine Oceanarium in Gujarat.
Climate Finance: Integrates Green Climate Fund-supported initiatives with domestic coastal programmes and international ocean and climate commitments.