Coastal Erosion Crisis in India

Coastal erosion poses threat to India’s shoreline, particularly in Karnataka’s Dakshina Kannada district. Recent data from the Union Environment Ministry reveals alarming statistics. Approximately 48.4 per cent of Dakshina Kannada’s coastline has eroded over the past three decades. Nationally, about 33.6 per cent of India’s coastline faces erosion. The implications for human habitation and ecosystems are severe. Immediate action is required to address this environmental crisis.

Extent of Coastal Erosion

Coastal erosion in India varies by region. Dakshina Kannada has experienced erosion, with 17.74 km affected. Other districts like Udupi and Uttara Kannada report 34.7 per cent and 12.3 per cent erosion, respectively. Nationally, 26.9 per cent of the coastline is accreting, while 39.6 per cent remains stable. The data indicates a pressing need for comprehensive coastal management strategies.

Causes of Coastal Erosion

Several factors contribute to coastal erosion. Rising sea levels, exacerbated by climate change, increase the risk of storm surges. Unregulated sand mining disrupts natural sediment flow. Infrastructure projects, such as ports and seawalls, also contribute to erosion. Additionally, the depletion of mangroves leaves coastlines vulnerable to wave action. Increased cyclonic activity further destabilises coastal ecosystems.

Economic and Social Impacts

Coastal erosion affects local communities. Fishing communities face threats to their livelihoods as coastal stability declines. Infrastructure, including roads and housing, is at risk of damage. Biodiversity hotspots, such as mangroves and estuaries, are also endangered. The socio-economic fallout is deep, necessitating urgent intervention.

Mitigation Efforts in Karnataka

The Karnataka government has initiated a Shoreline Management Plan under the Coastal Regulation Zone Notification. The K-SHORE project aims to enhance coastal resilience and protect livelihoods. However, experts argue for a multi-faceted approach. This includes ecosystem restoration, stricter regulations on sand mining, and innovative solutions like artificial reefs. Community-driven conservation and real-time erosion monitoring using AI are also recommended.

Need for a Paradigm Shift

Traditional methods of coastal defence, such as concrete sea walls, have proven ineffective. Experts suggest a shift towards more sustainable practices. This includes rethinking human habitation in vulnerable areas. Environmental activists advocate for relocating communities away from high-risk zones to ensure safety during extreme weather events.

Future Directions

The future of India’s coastal communities hinges on holistic interventions. A combination of sustainable development, environmental restoration, and community engagement is essential. The focus must shift from reactive measures to proactive strategies that consider the natural dynamics of coastal ecosystems.

Questions for UPSC:

1. Critically analyse the impact of climate change on coastal erosion in India.
2. Estimate the relationship between mangrove depletion and coastal stability.
3. Point out the socio-economic consequences of coastal erosion in Karnataka.
4. With suitable examples, discuss the effectiveness of traditional coastal defence mechanisms.

Answer Hints:

1. Critically analyse the impact of climate change on coastal erosion in India.

1. Climate change leads to rising sea levels, increasing the risk of coastal flooding and erosion.
2. Extreme weather events, like cyclones, are becoming more frequent, destabilizing coastal ecosystems.
3. Increased storm surges amplify erosion effects, particularly in vulnerable areas.
4. Changes in precipitation patterns can lead to altered sediment supply, affecting coastal stability.
5. Climate change exacerbates human-induced factors such as unregulated development along coastlines.

2. Estimate the relationship between mangrove depletion and coastal stability.

1. Mangroves act as natural barriers, reducing wave energy and protecting coastlines from erosion.
2. The loss of mangroves exposes coastlines to stronger wave action and storm impacts.
3. Healthy mangrove ecosystems enhance sediment deposition, aiding in coastal stability.
4. Mangrove depletion correlates with increased coastal erosion rates, as seen in various regions of India.
5. Restoration of mangroves can improve coastal resilience and stability.

3. Point out the socio-economic consequences of coastal erosion in Karnataka.

1. Coastal erosion threatens the livelihoods of fishing communities reliant on stable coastlines.
2. Infrastructure damage, including roads and housing, leads to increased economic costs and displacement.
3. Loss of biodiversity, particularly in mangroves and estuaries, affects local ecosystems and resources.
4. Tourism, vital for local economies, suffers due to eroded beaches and degraded landscapes.
5. Increased vulnerability to disasters can lead to greater social inequities and community instability.

4. With suitable examples, discuss the effectiveness of traditional coastal defence mechanisms.

1. Concrete sea walls have been used but often lead to increased erosion at adjacent areas.
2. Rock dumping has been employed, yet it disrupts natural sediment flow, worsening erosion elsewhere.
3. Examples like Kotepura show that traditional methods fail to adapt to the dynamic coastal environment.
4. Temporary barriers often require constant maintenance and can be costly over time.
5. Innovative solutions, such as eco-friendly breakwaters, are proving more effective than traditional methods.