The Bio-shield project, being implemented by the Gujarat Coastal Zone Management Authority (GCZMA) would be first carried out on pilot basis in the South Gujarat region where coastal vegetation including mangroves would be planted in an area and studied over a period of time. It is also believed that presence of natural barriers along the coastline could also have a positive impact on the soil erosion, salinity ingress and water pollution in the area.
"The bio-shield has been taken up with objective to see that there is adequate natural protection of the industries and coast areas from the sea," Principal Secretary Environment and Forests S K Nanda told PTI.
He said the project once finalised would be implemented on a public private partnership (PPP) model.
"We have been given a task to finalise the coastal stretch between Dahej in Bharuch and Hazira in Surat, where the project would be implemented on pilot basis and suggest which plantations could be done besides mangroves," Desai told PTI.