Coastal Crisis: 33.6% of India’s Coastline Threatened by Erosion

Syllabus: GS3/Environment; Conservation

Context

In a recent Lok Sabha session, the Union Environment Ministry revealed that about one-third of India’s coastline is threatened by erosion, highlighting the urgent need for comprehensive coastal management strategies.

It is a significant environmental issue affecting India’s extensive coastline, which spans over 7,500 kilometers.
The Indian mainland coast includes 9 coastal states and 2 Union Territories (UTs) having 66 coastal districts.
Morphology of the coast consists of 43% sandy beach, 11% rocky coast, 36% of muddy flats, 10% of marshy coast, 97 major estuaries and 34 lagoons.

According to the National Centre for Coastal Research (NCCR) (an attached office of the Ministry of Earth Sciences), approximately 33.6% of India’s coastline is vulnerable to erosion, 26.9% is experiencing accretion (growth), and 39.6% remains stable.

Karnataka: The data presented in the Lok Sabha was particularly focused on Karnataka’s Dakshina Kannada district, where nearly 48.4% of the 36.66 km coastline has been eroded over the past three decades.
- This region’s plight is a microcosm of the broader national issue, with varying degrees of erosion observed across different states.

West Bengal: Approximately 60.5% of the state’s coastline is affected by erosion, with significant impacts on the Sundarbans.
Kerala: Nearly 46.4% of Kerala’s coastline faces erosion, with severe consequences for local communities and ecosystems.
Tamil Nadu: Erosion affects 42.7% of the coastline, posing a threat to coastal infrastructure and livelihoods.

Natural Factors:
- Wave Action: Continuous wave action erodes the shoreline, especially during high tides and storms.
- Sea-Level Rise: Climate change-induced sea-level rise increases the frequency and intensity of coastal flooding and erosion.
- Storm Surges: Cyclones and storm surges cause significant erosion, particularly in low-lying coastal areas.
Anthropogenic Factors:
- Coastal Development: Infrastructure projects like ports, harbors, and seawalls disrupt natural sediment flow and exacerbate erosion.
- Sand Mining: Illegal sand mining from beaches and riverbeds reduces the natural replenishment of sand along the coast.
- Deforestation: Removal of mangroves and coastal vegetation weakens the natural defense against erosion.

Loss of Land: Coastal erosion leads to the loss of valuable land, affecting agriculture and settlements.
Displacement of Communities: Erosion forces coastal communities to relocate, leading to socio-economic challenges.
Damage to Infrastructure: Roads, bridges, and buildings near the coast are at risk of damage or destruction.
Biodiversity Loss: Coastal habitats, including mangroves, coral reefs, and wetlands, are degraded, impacting marine biodiversity.

Integrated Coastal Zone Management Project (ICZMP): Implemented in Gujarat, Odisha, and West Bengal, this World Bank-assisted project aims to protect and conserve coastal and marine environments through sustainable practices.
Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) Notification (2019): It aims to conserve and protect coastal stretches, ensuring livelihood security for fisher and local communities while permitting erosion control measures.
- It provides for No Development Zones (NDZ) along various categories of coastal areas to protect India’s coastline from encroachment and erosion.
Coastal Vulnerability Index (CVI): The Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS) has developed the CVI to assess and map the vulnerability of different coastal regions based on various parameters.
Multi-Hazard Vulnerability Maps: INCOIS has developed detailed maps to identify areas vulnerable to coastal hazards.

Artificial Reefs: Constructing artificial reefs can dissipate wave energy and protect the shoreline.
Eco-friendly Breakwaters: Using materials that blend with the natural environment can provide effective protection without harming marine ecosystems.
Geo-Tube Installation: In areas like Pentha Village in Odisha, geo-tubes have been installed to create artificial barriers that protect the coast from erosion.
Mangrove and Shelterbelt Plantations: Planting mangroves and other vegetation along the coast helps stabilize the shoreline and reduce the impact of waves and storm surges.

Community-Driven Conservation: Local communities are encouraged to participate in conservation efforts, leveraging traditional knowledge and modern technology.
Education and Awareness Campaigns: Raising awareness about the importance of coastal ecosystems and the impacts of erosion can foster community support for mitigation measures.

Addressing coastal erosion in India requires a multi-faceted approach that combines scientific research, community involvement, and sustainable development practices.
By implementing effective mitigation measures and promoting awareness, India can protect its coastal regions and ensure the well-being of its coastal communities.

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