MAYILADUTHURAI MOST VULNERABLE TO CLIMATE CHANGE, ACTION PLAN UNVEILED

Mayiladuthurai became the first district in Tamil Nadu to get a District Climate Action Plan (DCAP), an ambitious move to tackle the pressing challenges posed by climate change.

- S V Krishna Chaitanya

The DCAP, prepared by Anna University's Climate Studio with the support of the Department of Environment and Climate Change, was released by Chief Minister M K Stalin during a recent meeting of the Tamil Nadu Governing Council on Climate Change.

Among all districts in the state, Mayiladuthurai is most susceptible to the adverse effects of climate change, such as rising sea levels, erratic rainfall and extreme weather events. The DCAP identifies agriculture, water resources, coastal ecosystems, and habitats as critical sectors that require immediate attention.

Mayiladuthurai, where 71.9% of the land is dedicated to farming, thrives on its paddy fields and diverse crops, including pulses and cotton. The district's reliance on the Cauvery river for irrigation makes it vulnerable to water stress and flooding. According to the DCAP, 75 of the district's 247 villages are at high risk of flooding, while 129 face severe drought threats.