Union Environment Minister Launches Guidelines for National Coastal Mission 2.0

Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav launched the implementation guidelines for the National Coastal Mission (NCM) 2.0 in New Delhi on 30 September 2026. It is a Central Sector Scheme run by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. The scheme will run from 2025-26 to 2030-31 and replaces the earlier NCM 1.0 phase. It will be carried out with the active participation of coastal States, Union Territories and other stakeholders.

Key Details of NCM 2.0

• Launch: Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav released the implementation guidelines in New Delhi on 30 September 2026.
• Type of scheme: A Central Sector Scheme run by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.
• Outlay: ₹767 crore has been approved for the mission.
• Duration: The scheme runs from 2025-26 to 2030-31 and takes over from the earlier NCM 1.0 phase.
• Coverage: Nine coastal States and four Union Territories.
• Implementation: Carried out together with coastal States, Union Territories and other stakeholders.
• Aim: To make coastal regions stronger and more sustainable, and to unlock the potential of the Blue Economy.

₹767 Crore Central Sector Scheme to Be Implemented Till 2030-31 Across Nine Coastal States and Four Union Territories

The government has approved a total outlay of ₹767 crore for the mission. The money will be used across nine coastal States and four Union Territories of India. Since it is a Central Sector Scheme, the Centre plans and manages it, which helps keep the work uniform across regions.

How India’s Blue Economy Matters?

The Minister said that the Blue Chakra in the national flag reflects the large potential of India's Blue Economy. The Blue Economy means the sustainable use of ocean and coastal resources for growth and jobs. NCM 2.0 supports this idea and links it to the vision of Viksit Bharat @2047.

Core Objectives and Framework of NCM 2.0

The mission aims to make India's coastal regions stronger and more sustainable. Its main focus areas are:

• Vulnerability assessments to find coastal areas at risk
• Climate adaptation and mitigation
• Ecosystem restoration
• Pollution management
• Biodiversity conservation
• Sustainable tourism
• Spatial planning
• Research and capacity building

NCM 2.0 Governance Framework

NCM 2.0 follows a whole-of-government approach. Roles of the Centre, State Coastal Zone Management Authorities (SCZMAs) and district-level bodies are made clearer. This gives a simple and streamlined framework for implementation and also supports ease of doing business.