Andhra Pradesh Erects 5-km 'Great Green Wall' to Shield Coastline from Cyclones

As of October 22nd, 2025, Andhra Pradesh is taking decisive action to safeguard its 1,053-km coastline from the growing threats of cyclones and environmental degradation. Under the leadership of Deputy Chief Minister K. Pawan Kalyan, the state's Department of Environment, Forests, Science & Technology has initiated the ambitious 'Great Green Wall of Andhra Pradesh' project.

The Great Green Wall is designed to serve as a "living ecological shield" that will protect over 3 million people inhabiting the coastal areas. By 2030, this 5-km-wide green buffer zone will comprise mangroves, shelterbelt plantations, inland vegetation, and sand dunes. This multi-layered approach will reduce the impact of cyclones and storm surges, stabilize shorelines, and enhance livelihoods through eco-tourism and sustainable fisheries.

The project involves the restoration of 100,000 hectares of green cover, as Andhra Pradesh is considered one of India's most climate-vulnerable states. With over 3.3 million people living within 5 km of the coast, the region faces frequent cyclones, floods, and rising sea levels, causing significant economic and human losses. The state has also been assessed as the fourth most affected by coastal erosion, with 32% of the coastline actively eroding.