India and ADB Ink $42M Loan Deal to Strengthen Climate-Resilient Coastal Protection in Maharashtra

Ms. Mukherjee highlighted that the funding would aid in stabilizing the coastline and safeguarding the livelihoods of coastal communities.

The Government of India and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) have formalized a $42 million loan agreement to implement the Maharashtra Sustainable Climate-Resilient Coastal Protection and Management Project. The initiative aims to protect and restore coastal and riverbank areas, enhancing the resilience of local communities and ecosystems in Maharashtra.

The agreement was signed by Ms. Juhi Mukherjee, Joint Secretary of the Department of Economic Affairs, Ministry of Finance, on behalf of the Government of India, and Ms. Mio Oka, Country Director of ADB’s India Resident Mission.

Ms. Mukherjee highlighted that the funding would aid in stabilizing the coastline and safeguarding the livelihoods of coastal communities. Ms. Oka emphasized the adoption of innovative, hybrid strategies combining structural and nature-based solutions. Key elements of the project include:

Hybrid Coastal Erosion Mitigation:

Construction of offshore reefs and rock protection structures.

Flexible, nature-based approaches such as beach nourishment and dune restoration.

Advanced Predictive Tools:

Use of technologies to forecast climate change impacts, including sea-level rise and extreme weather.

Development of a coastal management information system utilizing remote sensing and satellite imagery.

Community and Ecosystem Resilience:

Strengthening the fishery and tourism sectors, vital to the region’s economy but vulnerable to erosion and flooding.

Promoting sustainable practices to ensure long-term economic and environmental health.

Inclusive Participation:

Involving women, youth, and marginalized groups in coastal management to foster disaster preparedness and inclusive resilience.

Institutional Strengthening and Capacity Building

The project also aims to bolster the capacity of the Maharashtra Maritime Board by establishing a dedicated coastal infrastructure management unit. Training programs will focus on:

Shoreline management planning.

Gender equality and social inclusion.

Sustainable livelihood opportunities for coastal communities.

Broader Impacts and Vision

Enhanced coastal protection will provide critical safeguards against natural disasters, benefiting both the environment and local economies. This effort builds on ADB’s earlier investments, aligning with India's broader climate resilience and sustainable development goals.

By integrating cutting-edge technology with community-focused strategies, the initiative underscores a holistic approach to climate adaptation. It also supports India’s commitment to achieving sustainable coastal management and protecting vulnerable ecosystems.

This transformative project is expected to not only mitigate the adverse effects of climate change but also pave the way for long-term economic growth, social inclusion, and environmental conservation in Maharashtra's coastal regions.