Guidelines for National Coastal Mission 2.0 Released

National Coastal Mission 2.0

Why in News?

• Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav launched the guidelines for National Coastal Mission 2.0 (NCM 2.0) on 30 September 2026. 
• The Central Sector Scheme has an approved outlay of ₹767 crore and will run from 2025-26 to 2030-31. It is 100% Centrally funded Central Sector Scheme of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC).

Key Features

• Coverage: The mission covers 9 coastal States and 4 Union Territories. 
• It aims to strengthen the ability of coastal regions to deal with climate change, coastal erosion, cyclones and other hazards. 
• It will support the protection and restoration of mangroves, coral reefs and coastal wetlands. 
• The mission promotes sustainable tourism, pollution control, biodiversity conservation and scientific research. 
• It will encourage Integrated Coastal Zone Management Plans and Marine Spatial Planning for better use of coastal areas. 
• The scheme also seeks to provide diverse and sustainable livelihood opportunities to coastal communities. 
• It supports the development of a sustainable blue economy, which includes economic activities based on ocean and coastal resources. 
• The mission also promotes capacity building, better planning and improved monitoring of coastal programmes. 
• NCM 2.0 will replace the earlier National Coastal Mission (2021-22 to 2025-26). 

Significance

• India’s coastal areas face growing risks from sea-level rise, erosion, cyclones and pollution. 
• According to the National Centre for Coastal Research, 33.6% of India’s mainland coastline experienced erosion between 1990 and 2018. 
• The mission seeks to balance coastal conservation, community livelihoods and economic activities while strengthening India’s climate resilience. 

Five Thematic Components 

1. Climate-Resilient Blue Economic Growth
   1. Promote sustainable and climate-resilient coastal economic activities. 
   2. Support sustainable tourism and coastal livelihoods. 
2. Coastal Vulnerability and Risk Reduction
   1. Assess coastal vulnerability and risks. 
   2. Promote measures to reduce erosion, flooding and other coastal hazards. 
3. Climate Change Adaptation with Mitigation Co-benefits 
   1. Strengthen adaptation to climate change. 
   2. Promote activities that also support carbon sequestration and emission reduction. 
4. Capacity Building and Outreach 
   1. Build institutional and technical capacity. 
   2. Promote awareness, training and community participation. 
5. Committed Liabilities and Project Management 
   1. Meet existing commitments under NCM 1.0. 
   2. Support project monitoring, evaluation and management.

Practice Question

Q. With reference to the National Coastal Mission 2.0 (NCM 2.0), consider the following statements:

1. NCM 2.0 is a 100% Centrally funded Central Sector Scheme of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. 
2. The mission covers nine coastal States and four Union Territories. 
3. NCM 2.0 will operate during the period from 2025–26 to 2030–31 and replace the earlier National Coastal Mission. 
4. The mission focuses exclusively on ecological conservation and does not include coastal livelihoods or economic activities. 

Which of the statements given above are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2, 3 and 4 only
(c) 1 and 4 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3 only

Answer: (d) 1, 2 and 3 only

Explanation:

• NCM 2.0 is a 100% Centrally funded Central Sector Scheme under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC). Hence, statement 1 is correct.
• The mission covers 9 coastal States and 4 Union Territories. Hence, Statement 2 is correct. 
• NCM 2.0 will run from 2025–26 to 2030–31 and will replace the earlier National Coastal Mission, which operated from 2021–22 to 2025–26. Hence, Statement 3 is correct. 
• The mission does not focus only on ecological conservation; it also promotes sustainable tourism, coastal livelihoods and a sustainable Blue Economy. Hence, Statement 4 is incorrect.