Tsunami Relief & Rehabilitation Programme

Authored by Dr. R.T. John Suresh

When the devastating tsunami struck the eastern coast of India, the waves not only swallowed homes, boats, and livelihoods, but also shattered the spirit of countless fishing families. In the chaos of Koraikuppam and Sattankuppam villages of Pulicat, Thiruvallur District, PLANT Trust stood at the frontline — a beacon of hope amidst despair.

Our staff and volunteers rushed into action, rescuing survivors, clearing debris of fallen trees, shattered boats, and broken nets. Beyond the physical wreckage, we reached out to the invisible wounds — the trauma of losing loved ones. Psychological counseling, medical camps, and even simple acts like organizing sports for the youth became a way of reminding communities that life, though shaken, would rise again.

Rebuilding Lives, Step by Step

Once the immediate shock subsided, PLANT extended its hands for recovery. We distributed groceries and emergency cash for cooking, repaired damaged huts and houses, and restored fishing operations with new boats and nets. Survival soon transformed into recovery, and recovery into rebuilding.

Long-Term Rehabilitation – Beyond Relief

  • Strengthening Self-Help Groups (SHGs): Women and men were trained in income diversification — from tailoring and seafood processing to goat rearing and fish marketing.
  • Youth Skill Development: Training centres provided skills in driving, carpentry, plumbing, and electrical trades, enabling both employment and entrepreneurship.
  • Eco-Tourism Initiatives: In Vairavankuppam, community-based eco-tourism created sustainable livelihoods linked to natural resources.
  • Women in Fish Trade: A women-led fish trade unit in Sattankuppam empowered fisherwomen to access markets directly, bypassing middlemen.
  • Goat Rearing & Veterinary Care: Thousands of goats were distributed to Dalit and tribal families, supported by veterinary camps and ethno-veterinary practices.
  • Enterprise & Brick Kilns: Five brick kiln units were established to support construction projects, generating revolving funds for future enterprises.
  • Stakeholder Linkages: Interface meetings with government departments enabled access to welfare programmes, entitlements, and development schemes.

Restoring Nature’s Shield

Recognizing the role of natural buffers, PLANT Trust launched green vegetation drives and mangrove afforestation in Pulicat. Thousands of native species were planted along the coast to protect from future storm surges and revive marine biodiversity.

Marine Conservation & Innovation

  • Deployed over 6,000 artificial reefs across multiple coastal districts in Tamil Nadu.
  • Pioneered cage culture, seaweed farming, and oyster cultivation in Pulicat.
  • Empowered fisherwomen in fish marketing through auctions, vending, and urban stalls.

Sustaining Knowledge & Community Wisdom

PLANT rooted its work in training, awareness, and bio-cultural protocols to preserve local customs and ecological knowledge. This includes sea turtle conservation and Pulicat Lake conservation initiatives.

Recognition & Global Impact

  • Equator Initiative Prize
  • GEF-SGP UNDP MoEF&CC Biodiversity Award (2016)
  • Impact on Environment Award by Ministry of Corporate Affairs (2017)
  • GEF-SGP UNDP MoEF&CC Innovation Award (2025)
  • Accreditation with UN ECOSOC and UNEP
"What began with relief has grown into a vision of coastal justice, ecological stewardship, and community dignity."

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