ADB Supports Coastal Protection in Maharashtra
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a $42 million loan to enhance coastal and riverbank protection in Maharashtra, India. This initiative aims to boost the resilience of local communities and natural ecosystems.
Project Details
The Maharashtra Sustainable Climate-Resilient Coastal Protection and Management Project will implement solutions like offshore reefs, sheet piles, beach nourishment, and vegetation planting to stabilize the coastline. ADB Water Resources Specialist Marie L’Hostis highlighted the project’s use of innovative engineering and nature-based solutions.
Capacity Building
ADB will assist the Maharashtra Maritime Board in shore management planning and establish a coastal infrastructure management unit. The project will also focus on gender equality, social inclusion, and livelihood activities.
Climate Adaptation
According to ADB Senior Climate Change Specialist Alessio Giardino, the project addresses climate change threats such as sea-level rise and coastal erosion through adaptable solutions. It aims to enhance fisheries and tourism while involving women, youth, and vulnerable groups in coastal management.
About ADB
Established in 1966, ADB is owned by 69 members, with 49 from the region. It strives for a prosperous, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable Asia and the Pacific, focusing on eradicating extreme poverty.
Doubts Revealed
ADB -: ADB stands for Asian Development Bank. It is a bank that helps countries in Asia, including India, by giving them money for projects that can improve their economy and help people.
$42 Million Loan -: A loan of $42 million means that the Asian Development Bank is giving Maharashtra, a state in India, a large amount of money to help protect its coasts and riverbanks. This money will be used to make the area safer and better for people living there.
Coastal Protection -: Coastal protection involves activities and structures that help prevent damage to the land near the sea. This can include building barriers or planting trees to stop erosion and protect the land from strong waves and storms.
Maharashtra -: Maharashtra is a state in the western part of India. It is known for its long coastline along the Arabian Sea, which includes famous cities like Mumbai.
Offshore Reefs -: Offshore reefs are structures built in the sea, away from the shore, to break the force of waves before they reach the land. They help protect the coastline from erosion and damage.
Beach Nourishment -: Beach nourishment is a process where sand is added to beaches to make them wider and more stable. This helps protect the land from being washed away by the sea.
Shore Management Planning -: Shore management planning involves making plans to take care of the coastline. This includes deciding how to protect it from erosion and how to use it in a way that benefits people and the environment.
Gender Equality and Social Inclusion -: Gender equality and social inclusion mean making sure that everyone, including women and people from different backgrounds, has equal opportunities and can participate in projects and decisions. It ensures fairness and equal treatment for all.
Climate Change Threats -: Climate change threats refer to the dangers that come from changes in the Earth’s climate, like rising sea levels and stronger storms. These can harm coastal areas, so projects like this help protect against these threats.
Fisheries and Tourism -: Fisheries are places where fish are caught for food, and tourism is when people visit places for fun and relaxation. Protecting the coast helps both these activities by keeping the environment healthy and attractive.
Vulnerable Groups -: Vulnerable groups are people who might need extra help or protection, like the elderly, children, or those with fewer resources. Involving them in projects ensures they also benefit and are safe.