Initiatives/ Scheme Climate Resilient Village Programme Context: Killai village in Cuddalore district, Tamil Nadu, became the state's first fully operational Climate Resilient Village on 22 July 2026. About the Climate Resilient Village Programme The Climate Resilient Village Programme is a flagship scheme of the Tamil Nadu Government, launched in 2022–23. The programme covers 11 villages in 11 districts, with Killai becoming the first village to fully implement all its components. It aims to reduce the impact of climate change in coastal villages. The programme addresses major climate-related challenges such as: Cyclones, Sea-level rise, Saline water intrusion, Coastal erosion, Loss of biodiversity. It also promotes sustainable livelihoods, especially for fishing communities. The project was carried out under the Tamil Nadu Climate Change Mission of the Department of Environment and Climate Change. It focused on ecosystem restoration, renewable energy, and community participation to improve resilience against climate change. Project Components in Killai The project was completed at a cost of ₹230.15 lakh. Funding was provided through the District Climate Change Mission and Corporate Environmental Responsibility (CER). An important part of the project was the restoration of a 3-km stretch of the Buckingham Canal, which was completed on 14 March 2026. The canal restoration included: Desilting the canal, Removing plastic waste The project also removed the invasive plant species Prosopis juliflora. More than 3,000 native mangrove saplings were planted to restore the coastal ecosystem. The village development plan includes: Solar panels on public buildings, Solar street lights, Solar parks, Solar dryers, Solar-powered cold storage facilities. Significance Mangroves are salt-tolerant coastal plants that grow in intertidal areas. They help protect coastlines by reducing erosion, trapping sediments, and providing habitat for many species. Prosopis juliflora is an invasive plant species found in many dry and coastal regions of India. It is removed because it harms…
