India’s coastline stretches 6,907.18 km, with approximately 34% experiencing varying degrees of coastal erosion, as per the Ministry of Earth Sciences. This is a significant issue impacting the geographical dynamics of India’s mainland. Besides, around 26% of the coastline displays an accreting nature, while the remaining 40% is stable. The state of West Bengal encounters maximum erosion, as nearly 60.5% of its coast faced erosion from 1990 to 2018, followed by Kerala with a 46.4% erosion rate and Tamil Nadu at 42.7%.
Identification of Coastal Vulnerability by INCOIS
The Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS) has created and distributed a comprehensive atlas of Coastal Vulnerability Index (CVI) maps. These maps cover the entire coastline of India and provide important data on areas prone to coastal erosion.
Understanding Coastal Erosion and Its Impact
Coastal erosion is a process where rising sea levels, powerful wave action, and coastal flooding erode or transport rocks, soil, and/or sand along the coast. This process is responsible for the loss of land and human settlements as sea water washes soil away from the coastline. The subsequent accretion process leads to an increase in the land area. Coastal erosion can impact recreational activities and livelihoods within coastal communities. Natural habitats such as mangroves, coral reefs, and lagoons can serve as protective barriers against sea storms and erosion if maintained properly.
Factors Causing Coastal Erosion
Wave energy, cyclones, thermal expansion of seawater, storm surges, tsunamis, and climate change contribute significantly to coastal erosion. Human-induced activities like dredging, sand mining, coral mining, establishment of fishing harbors and dams in river catchment areas also accelerate coastal erosion by causing sediment deficit and modifying water depth that leads to altered wave refraction.
Indian Initiatives for Coastal Management
India has instituted several initiatives like the National Centre for Sustainable Coastal Management, Integrated Coastal Zone Management Plan, and the Coastal Regulation Zone to manage its coastlines. These initiatives aim at promoting integrated and sustainable management of coastal and marine areas in India, offering benefits to traditional coastal and island communities.
Methods for Coastal Protection
Various methods are deployed for coastal protection, including artificial beach nourishment, protective structures like seawalls and revetments, control of beach groundwater table or beach dewatering systems, vegetation planting, and use of geo-synthetic tubes/bags.
Suggestions by XVth Finance Commission
The XVth Finance Commission recommended the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and/or Ministry of Home Affairs to develop norms for mitigation measures against erosion. Also, for both the Union and State Governments to formulate a policy to handle extensive displacement caused by coastal and river erosion. They further suggested specific recommendations for ‘Mitigation Measures to Prevent Erosion’ under NDMF and ‘Resettlement of Displaced People Affected by Erosion’ under NDRF.
Questions Associated with Soil Erosion in UPSC Civil Services Examination
Questions related to soil erosion and its associated factors are common in UPSC Civil Services Examination. For instance, the 2014 question paper asked to identify the correct associations with soil erosion among terrace cultivation, deforestation, and tropical climate. The answer was “deforestation,” as it is the principal cause of soil erosion in India, with terrace cultivation and tropical climate playing secondary roles.
