Q.18 Explain the causes and effects of coastal erosion in India. What are the available coastal management techniques for combating the hazard ?

Model Answer:

Introduction

Coastal Erosion refers to the process by which coastlines are gradually worn away due to natural processes and human activities. In India, coastal erosion is a significant concern due to its extensive coastline of about 7,516 kilometers.

Body

Causes of Coastal Erosion

  1. Natural Causes:
    • Wave Action: Continuous wave action, especially during storms and high tides, can erode the shoreline.
    • Tidal Currents: Strong tidal currents can transport sediments away from the coast, leading to erosion.
    • Sea-Level Rise: Global warming-induced sea-level rise increases the vulnerability of coastlines to erosion.
    • Storm Surges: Cyclones and storm surges can cause sudden and severe erosion.
    • River Discharge: Changes in river discharge patterns can affect sediment supply to the coast, leading to erosion.
  2. Human Activities:
    • Sand Mining: Excessive sand mining from beaches and riverbeds reduces the natural replenishment of coastal sediments.
    • Construction Activities: Building of ports, harbors, and coastal infrastructure can disrupt natural sediment transport.
    • Deforestation: Removal of mangroves and coastal vegetation reduces the natural barrier against erosion.
    • Dams and Barrages: Construction of dams and barrages upstream can reduce sediment flow to the coast, exacerbating erosion.

Effects of Coastal Erosion

  1. Loss of Land: Coastal erosion leads to the loss of valuable land, affecting agriculture, housing, and infrastructure.
  2. Damage to Infrastructure: Roads, bridges, ports, and other coastal infrastructure can be damaged or destroyed.
  3. Impact on Livelihoods: Fishing communities and other coastal populations can lose their homes and sources of income.
  4. Biodiversity Loss: Coastal habitats such as mangroves, coral reefs, and wetlands can be degraded or lost.
  5. Increased Flooding: Erosion can reduce the natural protection against storm surges and high tides, increasing the risk of flooding.

Coastal Management Techniques

To mitigate the impacts of coastal erosion, various coastal management techniques can be employed:

  1. Hard Engineering Solutions:
    • Seawalls: Concrete or rock walls built parallel to the coast to protect against wave action.
    • Groynes: Structures built perpendicular to the coast to trap sand and reduce erosion.
    • Breakwaters: Offshore structures designed to absorb wave energy and protect the shoreline.
    • Revetments: Sloping structures placed on banks or cliffs to absorb wave energy.
  2. Soft Engineering Solutions:
    • Beach Nourishment: Adding sand or sediment to beaches to replenish eroded areas.
    • Dune Stabilization: Planting vegetation or using barriers to stabilize sand dunes and protect against erosion.
    • Managed Retreat: Allowing certain areas to erode naturally while relocating infrastructure and communities.
  3. Ecosystem-Based Approaches:
    • Mangrove Restoration: Planting and conserving mangroves to act as natural barriers against erosion.
    • Coral Reef Protection: Protecting and restoring coral reefs to reduce wave energy and protect shorelines.
    • Wetland Conservation: Preserving and restoring coastal wetlands to absorb wave energy and reduce erosion.
  4. Policy and Planning:
    • Coastal Zone Management Plans (CZMPs): Developing and implementing integrated plans for sustainable coastal development and erosion control.
    • Regulations and Enforcement: Enforcing regulations on sand mining, construction activities, and other practices that contribute to erosion.
    • Community Involvement: Engaging local communities in coastal management efforts and raising awareness about the importance of protecting coastlines.

Conclusion

Coastal erosion in India is a complex issue driven by both natural processes and human activities. Its effects can be devastating, impacting land, infrastructure, livelihoods, and biodiversity. Effective coastal management requires a combination of hard and soft engineering solutions, ecosystem-based approaches, and robust policy and planning measures. By adopting a holistic and integrated approach, it is possible to mitigate the impacts of coastal erosion and ensure the sustainable development of India's coastal regions.

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