IIT Madras proposes new framework to map coastal climate threats

Researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology Madras have unveiled an integrated framework to evaluate climate risks for India's coastal zones. The framework combines climate modelling, infrastructure planning and community adaptation measures. It aims to identify vulnerable stretches of shoreline and guide resilient design of ports, roads and housing. By linking scientific projections with on‑ground adaptation, the tool helps policymakers prioritize investments where flood and erosion threats are highest. The team says the approach can be updated as new data emerge, ensuring long‑term protection for coastal populations and economies. The initiative responds to rising sea levels and more intense storms affecting the subcontinent's extensive coastline.