This article investigates the recent report published by the National Centre for Coastal Research (NCCR) under the Ministry of Earth Science. The study reveals that one-third of India’s coastline experienced sea erosion over a span of 28 years. From 1990 to 2018, India saw a substantial 32% of its coastline erode and a 27% expansion.
Key Findings of the Report
India is surrounded by the Arabian Sea to the west, the Bay of Bengal to the east, and the Indian Ocean to the south, totaling a coastline length of 6,631.53 kilometres. During the time frame studied, 2,135.65 kilometres experienced varying degrees of erosion while 1,760.06 km expanded. Approximately 2,700 km of the coastline remained stable.
Several major ports such as Kandla, Mumbai, Nhava Sheva, Mangalore, Cochin, Chennai, Tuticorin, Visakhapatnam, and Paradip punctuate India’s extensive coastline.
Coastal Erosion Patterns
The report indicates that 60% of West Bengal’s coastline underwent erosion. Puducherry followed with 56%, and Kerala and Tamil Nadu each recorded 41%. More significant erosion occurred on the Eastern Coast compared to the Western coast, largely due to increased rainfall keeping the seas rough throughout most of the year and frequent Cyclonic Activities.
Land Accretion Patterns
Interestingly, Odisha on the eastern coast is the only state where the coast saw an expansion of more than 50%. This was followed by Andhra Pradesh (48%) and Karnataka (26%).
Implications of Coastal Erosion and Accretion
Soil erosion results in the loss of land and human habitation due to sea water washing off regions of soil along the coastline. Soil accretion, conversely, leads to an increase in land area. However, accretion in Deltas, Estuaries, and creeks can disrupt the inflow of seawater into these areas, harming aquatic life.
Impact on Recreation and Livelihoods
Existing recreational activities such as sun bathing, picnicking, swimming, surfing, fishing, boating, diving may be jeopardised if beaches reduce in width or disappear altogether. The livelihoods of coastal communities can also be severely impacted.
Preventative Measures
Maintaining coastal habitats such as Mangroves, Coral Reefs and lagoons can provide defense against sea storms and erosion while also contributing to environmental conservation.
Factors behind Coastal Erosion
Natural phenomena like wave energy, cyclones, thermal expansion of seawater, storm surges, tsunami, melting of continental glaciers and ice sheets due to climate change all precipitate erosion. Strong littoral drift resulting in sand movement, anthropogenic activities such as dredging, sand mining and coral mining, and heavy rainfall increasing chances of slope failure also contribute.
Indian Initiatives for Coastal Management
India’s National Centre for Sustainable Coastal Management aims to promote integrated and sustainable management of coastal and marine areas. Other initiatives include the Integrated Coastal Zone Management Plan and the Coastal Regulation Zone. These efforts work towards the regulation activities in coastal areas and achieving sustainability for traditional coastal and island communities.