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In 1997, Government of India implemented Environment Management Capacity Building (EMCB) programme for a period of five years, funded by the International Development Association through the World Bank. The Department of Ocean Development (DOD) established a Project Directorate i.e., Integrated Coastal and Marine Area Management (ICMAM-PD), at Chennai in January 1998 with the approval of the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs to implement the EMCB programme. After completion of the World Bank assignment, it was decided by DOD to continue the activities of ICMAM, as a long-term R&D activity with a mandate to promote research addressing issues related to coastal processes, ecosystems, shoreline erosion, pollution, hazards and coastal vulnerability.

The projects implemented included preparation of model ICMAM plans, GIS-based information for critical habitats, determination of waste assimilation capacity, development of EIA guidelines, determination of ‘no impact zone’, determination of use classification for coastal waters, shoreline management plans for selected locations, ecosystem modelling for coastal habitats, marine ecotoxicology and storm surge inundation modelling. The activities were long term in nature and continued through subsequent five-year plans with expanded scope and wider geographical coverage.

In order to provide a long-term organisational framework to continue these research activities, the Project Directorate is designated as the “National Centre for Coastal Research (NCCR)” an attached office of MoES. NCCR is envisaged to develop and improve the country's capabilities in addressing the challenging problems prevailing in the coastal zone, which have societal, economical and environmental implications. These activities of NCCR would be an integral part of the Ministry's mission to offer scientific and technical support to coastal communities and stakeholders for integrated and sustainable use of resources towards the socio-economic benefit of the society.

Former Directors