Researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) have developed an integrated climate resilience framework to assess climate risks along India’s coastline and identify adaptation measures to protect critical infrastructure, ecosystems and vulnerable communities.

The research was conducted at IIT Madras’ Centre of Excellence on Climate Change Impacts on Coastal Infrastructure and Adaptation Strategies, supported by the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India.

The Centre has developed advanced climate, cyclone, storm surge, wave, hydrodynamic and morphodynamic models tailored to the Indian coastline. Its work includes flood inundation modelling for Chennai and Coastal Vulnerability Index maps for Chennai, Ennore and Karaikal, incorporating the effects of sea-level rise and storm surges.

Researchers have also developed a novel wind-merging technique to improve storm surge predictions, studied the climate-driven deterioration of port infrastructure, proposed climate-resilient reservoir management strategies and assessed measures to prevent saltwater intrusion.

In the water and environmental sectors, the Centre has developed climate-resilient wastewater treatment solutions, including a patented in-stream wastewater treatment method, and introduced the BASIEC framework for community-based adaptation to coastal hazards.

“India’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 Centre and a faculty member in IIT Madras’ Department of Ocean Engineering.

Prof. B. S. Murty, Centre Coordinator and a faculty member in the Department of Civil Engineering, said, “Climate adaptation requires much more than understanding individual hazards. We are developing scientifically robust and practically implementable solutions through advanced simulations, field observations and stakeholder engagement.”

The Centre brings together 15 Co-Principal Investigators from four departments at IIT Madras. It has produced 73 journal articles, six book chapters, 60 conference papers, one patent and an edited book published by Springer Nature.

The research findings were presented at the IAHR World Congress 2025 in Singapore. The Centre’s work aims to strengthen coastal disaster preparedness, protect infrastructure and groundwater resources, and support sustainable and climate-resilient development along India’s coastline.

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