The Union Minister of State for Environment, Forest, and Climate Change recently responded to queries about coastal erosion in the Lok Sabha. Data from multi-spectral satellite images and field studies conducted by the National Centre for Coastal Research (NCCR) between 1990 and 2016 were cited. The NCCR conducts multidisciplinary research on marine pollution, coastal processes and hazards, coastal habitats and ecosystems, and capacity building and training.
NCCR’s Observations on Coastal Erosion
Several areas along India’s coasts are experiencing different degrees of erosion due to natural or human-related activities. According to the NCCR’s analysis, 34% of the Indian coastline is eroding, while 28% is accreting, and 38% remains stable.
West Bengal and Pondicherry exhibit erosion rates over 50% at 63% and 57% respectively, followed by Kerala (45%) and Tamil Nadu (41%). Odisha is the only coastal state with accretion exceeding 50% at 51%.
The shrinking coastline threatens both the habitat and livelihoods of local fishermen, including loss of space for boat parking, net mending, and fishing operations.
Government Measures against Coastal Erosion
Several initiatives have been implemented by the Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change (MoEFCC) to manage coastal erosion.
A “Hazard Line” has been delineated for the entire length of the country’s coast, useful for disaster management planning, including adaptation and mitigation measures. The Hazard Line is included in the newly approved Coastal Zone Management Plans, which are part of the 2019 Coastal Regulation Zone Notification by the MoEFCC. These regulations allow for the installation of erosion control measures along the coast.
No Development Zones (NDZs) have also been created in various coastal regions to protect them from encroachment and erosion.
The Flood Management Scheme, overseen by the Ministry of Jal Shakti, includes anti-sea erosion schemes planned and executed by State Governments. The central government provides technical, advisory, catalytic, and promotional assistance to the states under this initiative.
Coastal Management Information System (CMIS)
The CMIS collects data on near-coastal areas for use in planning, design, construction, and maintenance of site-specific coastal protection structures at vulnerable coastal regions.
Coastal Erosion Mitigation Initiatives
Coastal erosion mitigation efforts have been successful in Puducherry and Chellanam in Kerala, where they have contributed to the restoration and protection of lost coastal areas. These initiatives also offer technical support to coastal states in the design of coastal protection measures and the preparation of Shoreline Management Plans.
UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Questions (PYQs)
One PYQ from 2014 asked candidates about the factors contributing to soil erosion in India. The correct answer was deforestation. Though terrace cultivation and tropical climates do contribute to soil erosion, they are not the main causes. Properly executed terrace cultivation can help prevent erosion, and although regions in the tropical climate zone suffer significant rainfall-related soil erosion, the majority of soil erosion in India occurs in subtropical, temperate, and alpine climates.