'We are on mission-driven approach to climate challenges'

Tamil Nadu is tackling its environmental, climate and biodiversity challenges with a series of new initiatives, including the launch of a climate company.

- By ROHINI KRISHNAMURTHY

What are the unique environmental challenges that Tamil Nadu faces?

Many of the environmental challenges that Tamil Nadu faces are amplified by its long coastline and dense urban settlements. Of the state's 38 districts, 14 are coastal. Its coastline, spanning 1,069 kilometres, is the longest on the Indian mainland after Gujarat. The most pressing issues include extreme weather events such as sudden and intense rainfall, urban heat island effect and growing frequency and intensity of cyclones, along with rising sea levels and coastal erosion—all of these contribute to urban and rural flooding. Safeguarding the lives and livelihoods of our coastal communities while minimising environmental degradation thus remains a top priority. Another critical challenge is urban flooding, particularly in north Chennai.

What steps is the government taking to enhance climate resilience of the state?