Disasters and Management issues

Environment and Ecology

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04-Dec-24

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33.6% of India's Coastline Threatened by Erosion

Context: Environment Ministry's Lok Sabha reply shows 33.6% of India's coastline is threatened by erosion. In the ongoing Winter Session of the Parliament, the Union Environment Ministry presented data that highlighted the issue of coastal erosion in India.

India’s extensive 7,500 kilometer long coastline (nature’s buffer between land and sea) is now facing increased disruptions, impacting the livelihood of millions.

Status of Coastal Erosion in India

According to a study by National Centre for Coastal Research, (NCCR), about 33.6% of coast is eroding, 26.9% is accreting and 39.5% is in a stable state.
State wise analysis suggests that more than 40% of erosion is noticed in four states/UT i.e. West Bengal (63%), Pondicherry (57%), Kerala (45%) and Tamil Nadu (41%) coast.

Coastal Erosion

It is breaking down and carrying away of materials by sea. Coast is eroded by destructive waves through four main processes i.e. Hydraulic Action, Compression, Abrasion and Attrition.
Erosional landforms created include Cliffs, Terraces, Caves, Stacks, arch and Stumps.

Causes of Coastal Erosion

Natural Causes: Rising sea levels, Mangrove depletion, Cyclonic activity, Action of waves, winds, tides, near shore currents, storms etc.
Anthropogenic causes: Unregulated sand extraction and construction of ports etc., Dredging of tidal entrances and navigational channels, damming, Beach nourishment etc.

Possible Innovative Solution for Coastal Erosion

Community driven conservation program and Real-time erosion monitoring using artificial intelligence (AI).
Adopting Nature Based approaches: Climate-resilient sand nourishment, Mangrove reforestation
Shoreline Management Plan should consider local and regional drivers of erosion

Initiatives Taken for Tackling Coastal Erosion

Shoreline Management Plan prepared by states as per the Coastal Regulation Zone Notification (CRZ), 2019
Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) Notification, 2019 also provides for No Development Zones (NDZ) to protect India’s coastline from encroachment and erosion
K-SHORE project of World Bank
Coastal Management Information System (CMIS)