IIT-M Researchers Unveil Coastal Vulnerability Maps for Chennai, Karaikal

The maps are part of a broader climate-risk assessment undertaken by the IIT-M centre of excellence on climate change impacts on coastal infrastructure and adaptation strategies, supported by the department of science and technology.

The centre also carried out flood inundation modelling and mapping for Ennore in Chennai to aid disaster preparedness and urban planning by developing a range of models to assess the impact of cyclones, storm surges, extreme rainfall, shoreline erosion and sea-level rise on coastal areas.

Researchers have developed advanced climate, cyclone, storm-surge, wave, hydrodynamic and morphodynamic models tailored to Indian coastal conditions. A novel wind-merging technique developed by the team is aimed at improving storm-surge predictions.

The research has also examined the vulnerability of coastal infrastructure. Structural health monitoring approaches have been developed to track climate-driven deterioration of port infrastructure and climate-resilient reservoir management strategies have been proposed for flood-prone urban areas.

The centre has assessed measures to prevent and mitigate saltwater intrusion in coastal regions and developed climate-resilient wastewater treatment solutions, including a patented in-stream wastewater treatment method.
A community-based adaptation framework, BASIEC, has also been developed to support communities in responding to sea-level rise and other coastal hazards.

“The city’s coastline hosts some of the country’s most critical infrastructure and supports millions of livelihoods. Climate change is increasing the intensity and frequency of coastal hazards, making resilience an urgent priority,” said Prof S A Sannasiraj, principal investigator of the Cetre and faculty member, department of ocean engineering, IIT-M.

“Our centre has adopted a systems-level approach that integrates climate modelling, engineering solutions and community adaptation to provide actionable strategies that can help reduce risks and improve preparedness across coastal regions,” he said.

Prof. B. S. Murty, centre coordinator and faculty member, department of civil engineering, IIT- M, said climate adaptation required more than assessing individual hazards. “We are developing scientifically robust and practically-implementable solutions through advanced simulations, field observations and stakeholder engagement. The outcomes from this centre can support evidence-based policymaking and contribute to sustainable coastal development in India,” he said.

The centre's approach links changes in cyclone behaviour and coastal flooding with infrastructure vulnerability and adaptation planning. It combines field measurements, laboratory experiments and numerical simulations with policy-oriented solutions with emphasis on open-source tools and locally appropriate adaptation measures.

The findings were presented at the IAHR World Congress 2025 in Singapore through a paper on climate change impacts and adaptation strategies for coastal infrastructure, water and waste management facilities. The centre also published an edited volume, Climate Change Impacts and Adaptation Strategies for Coastal Infrastructure, Water Resources, and Waste Management Along the Coasts, with Springer Nature.

The project involves 15 co-principal investigators from four IIT-M departments and has so far produced 73 journal articles, six book chapters, one edited book, 60 conference papers and one patent.

The researchers said the outputs could help strengthen the resilience of ports, fishing harbours, power plants and transport networks, besides improving flood management in coastal cities, protecting groundwater resources and supporting nature-based coastal protection.