Developed under the UrbanShift India Programme by the National Institute of Urban Affairs (NIUA) with support from the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the Global Environment Facility (GEF), and in partnership with the Surat Municipal Corporation (SMC) and the Puducherry Planning Authority, the Guidelines for Preparation of Resilient Coastal Zone Development Plans (RCZDPs) provide an integrated framework for planning climate-resilient and sustainable development in India's coastal regions.

Drawing upon international and national best practices, policy and institutional assessments, thematic studies, reconnaissance surveys, and city-level experiences from Dumas (Surat), Mahe, and Karaikal, the guidelines present a structured approach for preparing Resilient Coastal Zone Development Plans that balance ecological conservation with urban development, strengthen climate resilience, and promote inclusive economic growth.

The guidelines cover key aspects of resilient coastal planning, including risk-informed planning through coastal databases, ecosystem-specific Nature-based Solutions (NbS), governance and institutional frameworks, financing mechanisms, monitoring and evaluation, and the integration of resilience principles into existing planning processes. Designed as an adaptive framework, the guidelines support state governments, urban local bodies, planning authorities, and practitioners in developing locally relevant and evidence-based coastal resilience strategies while fostering long-term environmental sustainability and resilient urban growth.