Tamil Nadu Expands Protected Areas at Record Speed

Tamil Nadu is making significant strides in environmental conservation, marked by the notification of eight new wildlife sanctuaries, the fastest expansion of protected areas in the state's history. This includes notable additions such as India's first Slender Loris Sanctuary in Dindigul and a crucial Dugong Conservation Reserve along the Gulf of Mannar and Palk Bay, safeguarding vital seagrass habitats and promoting ecological connectivity.

These actions are designed to protect endangered flora and fauna, and critically, to enhance long-term climate resilience. With a coastline spanning 1,068 km, home to rich coral, seagrass, and mangrove ecosystems, the state is proactively addressing threats. The formation of the Marine Resource Foundation is a key step to support marine research, monitoring, and blue carbon studies.

The state's efforts align with the goals of the National Green Tribunal, which has been instrumental in strengthening environmental accountability and ensuring the constitutional right to a healthy environment. The NGT's Regional Conference on Environment-2025, held in Chennai, emphasized the need for sustained co-ordination among various bodies to tackle South India's distinctive environmental concerns effectively.