Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Bhupender Yadav launched the Guidelines for the implementation of the National Coastal Mission (NCM) 2.0 in New Delhi on 30 September 2026. NCM 2.0 is a Central Sector Scheme with an approved outlay of ₹767 crore and a scheduled implementation period up to 2030-31 across nine coastal states and four Union Territories.
National Coastal Mission 2.0
NCM 2.0 is the second phase of the National Coastal Mission and it subsumes the first phase implemented from 2021-22 to 2025-26. The mission covers India’s coastal belt, which includes the mainland coastline and island territories under Union administration.
Core Objectives of the Mission
The mission has two stated objectives: strengthening the resilience and sustainability of coastal regions and supporting the blue economy. The blue economy refers to the sustainable use of ocean and coastal resources for economic activity, fisheries, transport, tourism, and related sectors.
- Vulnerability assessments are part of the mission framework for identifying coastal risks.
- Ecosystem restoration is included for coastal habitats and natural buffers.
- Pollution management is listed as a component of the implementation guidelines.
- Biodiversity conservation, sustainable tourism, spatial planning, research, and capacity building are also included.
Implementation Framework
The guidelines provide a streamlined implementation structure for the mission. The framework uses a whole-of-government approach and assigns coordination roles between the Union and State governments.
The mission also includes institutional responsibility mapping and monitoring mechanisms for implementation across the coastal states and Union Territories.
Important Facts for Exams
- India has a coastline of about 7,516.6 km, including island territories.
- The National Coastal Mission is linked to coastal zone management and marine resource planning.
- Central Sector Schemes are fully funded by the Union government.
- Blue economy is a policy term used for sustainable ocean-based development.
Coastal Governance Context
Coastal governance in India involves environmental regulation, disaster risk reduction, fisheries management, tourism planning, and marine biodiversity protection. The coastal states and Union Territories covered under NCM 2.0 are part of India’s broader coastal administration framework.
