Chennai: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin on Friday laid the foundation stone for the state’s first Sea Turtle Conservation Centre at Guindy, marking a major milestone in marine biodiversity and conservation efforts.

The specialised facility, costing Rs 14.50 crore, is being established under the World Bank-supported Tamil Nadu Coastal Restoration Mission (TN-SHORE). The centre aims to serve as a hub for scientific research, community participation, and long-term conservation strategies for endangered sea turtles.

Sharing updates on the social media platform X, Additional Chief Secretary Supriya Sahu highlighted the state’s progress in marine conservation, noting a significant surge in turtle hatchling releases. Official data shows hatchlings released into the sea rose from 1.16 lakh in 2020–21 to a record 2.87 lakh in 2024–25.

“The foundation stone of the centre, laid by Hon’ble CM Thiru M K Stalin, marks a significant milestone in Tamil Nadu’s conservation journey,” Sahu said. She added that the new centre would strengthen efforts to protect endangered marine species through science-driven and community-led initiatives.

PTI