New Delhi: Tamil Nadu is set to get its first Sea Turtle Conservation Centre at Guindy, Chennai. The foundation stone was laid by Chief Minister Thiru M.K. Stalin on Friday, marking a major step in the state’s conservation efforts.
The Centre is being established under the World Bank–supported TN-SHORE project for Rs14.50 crore. It aims to protect endangered sea turtles through scientific research, community engagement, and long-term conservation measures.
Thanks to sustained conservation initiatives along the State’s coast, the last season saw a record number of turtle hatchlings released. Hatchling numbers rose from 1.16 lakh in 2020–21 to 2.87 lakh in 2024–25, according to Supriya Sahu, Additional Chief Secretary to the government, Environment, Climate Change and Forests Department, Tamil Nadu
She said the new Centre will further strengthen Tamil Nadu’s mission to secure the future of sea turtles and promote awareness about marine biodiversity.
In a separate development, Stalin launched the State’s first Urban Greening Policy, a major initiative under the Green TN Mission. The policy aims to create climate-resilient, liveable, and people-focused urban spaces across the State.
Under the policy, every Urban Local Body (ULB) will strive to maintain at least 15% of its total area under green cover. ULBs will also establish dedicated Urban Forest Wings to oversee and implement greening initiatives.
