Northeastern coastal districts in Tamil Nadu most vulnerable to climate change: report

A recent climate risk assessment by Anna University’s Climate Studio has identified the northeastern coastal districts of Tamil Nadu as the most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. 

Districts such as Mayiladuthurai, Tiruvarur, Kancheepuram, and Nagapattinam are facing heightened risks from extreme weather events such as cyclones, pluvial floods, and rising sea levels. The report highlights that prolonged water stagnation is exacerbating agricultural losses in these regions, which are already grappling with the challenges posed by the changing climate.

The assessment, released by Chief Minister M.K. Stalin at the second meeting of Governing Council on Climate Change on December 5, utilised downscaled climate model data and noted that other regions of the State face varying degrees of vulnerability. While the lower delta areas, including Pudukottai, Sivagangai, and Ramanathapuram experience comparatively lower impact from coastal hazards, the Eastern Ghats are suffering from degradation, contributing to worsening drought conditions and threatening agricultural productivity.

In contrast, the Western Ghats regions, such as Palghat Pass and Kanyakumari Aralvaimozhi Pass, show greater resilience due to dense forests, robust carbon sinks, and substantial rainfall from both monsoon seasons.

The report calls for urgent climate adaptation strategies, particularly in the central districts, where moderate risks are present. Proposed measures include flood management, cascading water tank systems, and diversion projects to mitigate flood risks. 

For Mayiladuthurai, which has been identified as the district with the highest comprehensive climate risk, a climate action plan has been released. It is particularly vulnerable due to its reliance on agriculture and its proximity to the coast. The region is facing a range of climate challenges, including rising temperatures, erratic rainfall, cyclones, and sea-level rise.

The plan provides sectoral targeted actions for water resource management and agriculture practices. It suggests ensuring sustainable water supply through functional household tap connections and improved pond and channel systems, focussing on enhancing groundwater resilience with recharge structures and monitoring, while preventing salinity intrusion. 

Recommendations include developing climate-smart agriculture by promoting climate-adaptive crop varieties and encouraging farm-level horticulture and agroforestry practices. Efforts to improve soil health and enhance conservation techniques are key to ensuring sustainable farming practices, the plan says.