Sinking Kariyachalli Island

The Tamil Nadu government has recently launched an initiative to save Kariyachalli Island, which is sinking due to rapid erosion, rising sea levels, and the degradation of surrounding ecosystems, particularly the coral reefs and seagrass meadows.

About Kariyachalli Island

• Location: Kariyachalli Island is located in the Gulf of Mannar, one of India's most ecologically sensitive marine zones. It lies between Rameswaram and Thoothukudi along the southeastern coast of India.

  Ecological Importance: The Gulf of Mannar is home to one of the four major coral reefs in India and is an area rich in biodiversity, with several species of marine life, including coral reefs, seagrass meadows, and diverse marine fauna.

  Geography: Kariyachalli Island features beaches, sand dunes, spits, and sandy plains, but it is uninhabited.

Environmental Challenges

• Erosion and Land Loss: The island has shrunk significantly in recent decades, losing over 70% of its landmass by 2024 compared to 1969. This is primarily due to the erosion caused by rising sea levels and storms.

  Degradation of Coral Reefs: The surrounding coral reefs have suffered extensive bleaching. Approximately a third of the coral around the island has already bleached, and further degradation could lead to the island’s eventual disappearance.

  Threat of Submersion: According to reports from the Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras), the island is expected to be submerged by 2036 if the current rate of erosion continues.

Government Intervention: The TNSHORE Project

To save the island from disappearing, the Tamil Nadu government has initiated the TNSHORE project (Tamil Nadu Sustainably Harnessing Ocean Resources). Key components include:

1. Coral Reef Restoration: The project will work to restore the damaged coral reefs surrounding Kariyachalli Island by deploying artificial reef modules. These modules are designed to encourage new coral growth, which will help protect the island from further erosion.

2. Seagrass Bed Planting: The project aims to plant seagrass beds in the surrounding waters. Seagrass is known for its ability to stabilize sediments and reduce erosion, thus protecting the island from sinking further.

3. Marine Life Revival: By restoring coral reefs and seagrass beds, the initiative aims to revive marine biodiversity around the island, improving the overall health of the marine ecosystem and providing a more sustainable environment for marine life.

4. Project Timeline: The TNSHORE project is expected to begin in August 2025, with the goal of stabilizing the island and its surroundings before it is completely submerged.

Significance and Implications

• Biodiversity Conservation: Kariyachalli Island and the Gulf of Mannar region are rich in biodiversity, supporting a variety of marine life and ecosystems. Protecting the island and restoring its marine resources will help preserve these fragile ecosystems.

  Climate Change Adaptation: The project is an important step in adapting to the impacts of climate change, particularly rising sea levels and ocean acidification, which are threatening coastal and island ecosystems globally.

  Sustainable Coastal Management: By undertaking a comprehensive approach that includes both coral reef restoration and seagrass planting, the project could serve as a model for other coastal areas facing similar environmental threats.

Conclusion

The initiative to save Kariyachalli Island is a critical step in protecting one of India's most ecologically sensitive regions. With the help of the TNSHORE project, Tamil Nadu is aiming to restore marine life and protect the island from the devastating effects of erosion and climate change, ensuring its survival for future generations.