Union Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change Shri Bhupender Yadav chaired the 3rd General Body (GB) Meeting of the National Centre for Sustainable Coastal Management (NCSCM) in New Delhi today. The meeting brought together senior officials, eminent scientists, coastal researchers, and experts in marine ecosystem management.
During the deliberations, the Union Minister reviewed NCSCM’s major scientific contributions, particularly in coastal ecosystem assessment, climate resilience, and marine habitat restoration. Officials from NCSCM presented progress across a wide range of thematic areas, including conservation, pollution abatement, coastal livelihoods, geospatial technology, climate change, island systems, coastal processes, integrated coastal zone management, and coastal–marine spatial planning.
Focus on Strengthening Capacity & Science–Policy Integration
The General Body issued several key directives aimed at strengthening NCSCM’s institutional capacity and scientific rigor. Emphasis was placed on:
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Enhancing research quality across programmes
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Deepening science–policy–community integration, especially through collaboration with coastal communities and traditional knowledge holders
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Finalising NCSCM’s Vision Document, aligning it with the national development framework under Viksit Bharat 2047
Recognising the increasing complexity of coastal and marine challenges, the GB directed NCSCM to strengthen its scientific cadre by filling critical vacancies and bringing in fresh talent. The Human Resource Policy, including updated recruitment rules, was discussed and slated for early finalisation.
The meeting also highlighted the importance of involving eco-clubs, universities, and local institutions to promote scientific learning and encourage field-based ecological research among students and youth.
Quality Accreditations and Project Milestones Reviewed
The General Body reviewed the status of laboratory accreditations secured by NCSCM. The institution has received quality assurances from the Quality Council of India (QCI), including:
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NABL accreditation (National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories)
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NABET accreditation (National Accreditation Board for Education and Training)
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Certifications from CPCB and AERB
NCSCM also reported its expanding portfolio of national and international research and consultancy assignments. As a key implementing partner for the National Coastal Mission 2.0, the Centre has:
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Successfully completed 79 Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) and shoreline management projects
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Currently handling 291 ongoing projects across coastal States, Union Territories, and collaborating organizations
The meeting concluded with a commitment to scale up research excellence, strengthen coastal governance frameworks, and promote sustainable development across India’s 7,500 km coastline.