Syllabus
GS Paper 3 – Conservation, Environmental Pollution and Degradation, Environmental Impact Assessment. Disaster and Disaster Management.
Context
The Union Minister recently stated that, according to a study by the National Centre for Coastal Research, more than a third of India’s coastline is at risk of erosion.
Key highlights of the study about India’s coastline:
- Coastline Changes
- Erosion: As much as 32% of India’s coastline underwent sea erosion between 1990 and 2018.
- Expansion: About 27% of the coastline expanded in the same period.
- Coastal Erosion
- Coastal erosion has been observed in 9 States and 2 Union Territories.
- The west coast has been relatively stable with minor pockets of erosion like Kerala. In the west, 48% of the coastline is stable, whereas only 28% of the eastern coast has been deemed stable.
- Goa and Maharashtra have the most stable coastlines in the country.
- Coastline Accretion
- States such as Odisha (51%) and Andhra Pradesh (42%) recorded the maximum gain due to coastline changes, indicating that the coast is growing.
Coastal erosion:
- Shoreline Retreat
- Shoreline retreat refers to the loss of coastal lands due to the net removal of sediments or bedrock from the shoreline.
- Types of Coastal Erosion
- Hydraulic Action: This type of erosion is more effective in areas where the rock has many cracks or joints, such as limestone or chalk. It can also create features such as blowholes, geysers, and sea caves.
- Abrasion: Also known as corrosion or sandpapering, it can create smooth and polished surfaces on the rock, such as wave-cut platforms. It can also erode softer rocks faster than harder ones, creating differential erosion.
- Attrition: This type reduces the size and shape of the rock fragments carried by the waves. It can also increase the efficiency of abrasion, as smaller and rounder particles can act as more effective tools for erosion.
- Solution: Also known as corrosion or dissolution, it depends on the chemical composition of the rock and the water. Some rocks, such as limestone and chalk, are more soluble than others, such as granite and basalt. It can create features such as karst landscapes, sinkholes, and stalactites.
Factors causing coastal erosion:
- Waves
- Coastal erosion is often due to the powerful waves generated by wind and tides. The intensity of wave action depends on factors such as coastal geomorphology, wind patterns, and sea currents.
- Sea Level Rise
- Rising sea levels due to global warming and climate change contribute to coastal erosion. As sea levels rise, waves reach farther inland, leading to erosion of coastal land.
- Sediment Loss
- Natural processes like coastal currents and longshore drift can cause the loss of sediment along the coastline. This reduces the availability of sediment to replenish eroded areas.
- Human Interference
- Improper coastal infrastructure development, sand mining, construction of harbours, and coastal pollution can accelerate coastal erosion. These activities disrupt natural sediment movement and alter coastal processes.
Effects of coastal erosion:
- Land Loss
- Coastal erosion can have severe implications for coastal communities, infrastructure, and ecosystems. Valuable agricultural land, residential areas, and tourist destinations can be negatively affected.
- Climate Refugees
- Erosion can force communities to relocate as their homes and livelihoods are threatened.
- Coastal Flooding
- As erosion removes natural barriers, such as sand dunes and vegetation, coastal areas become more vulnerable to flooding during storms and high tides.
- Biodiversity Loss
- Coastal erosion affects coastal ecosystems, including mangroves, coral reefs, and dune systems.
- Economic Impact
- Coastal erosion can damage or destroy coastal infrastructure, including roads, buildings, and ports.
- Loss of Revenue
- Coastal erosion can impact beach tourism and reduced land productivity can also impact local economies.
India’s initiatives for coastal management:
- Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM)
- ICZM is a study and a planning initiative under the World Bank, with the first phase for Enhancing Coastal Ocean Resource Efficiency (ENCORE).
- Society of Integrated Coastal Management
- This society launches the ICZM under four components: National Coastal Management Program, ICZM-West Bengal, ICZM-Orissa, and ICZM-Gujarat.
- National Centre for Sustainable Coastal Management
- This centre is set up in Chennai to undertake studies and research in the area of Coastal Zone Management, including coastal resources and environment.
- National Action Plan on Climate Change
- This plan outlines a strategy that aims to enable the country to adapt to climate change and enhance the ecological sustainability of our development path.
- Coastal Regulation Zone
- This zone is notified by the Ministry of Environment under the ambit of the Environment Protection Act 1986. It sets guidelines to strike a balance between economic growth and environmental conservation.
Ways to mitigate coastal erosion:
- Breakers
- Breakers can be placed in the water at certain points to slow down the waves. This won’t stop the erosion, but it will slow it down.
- Natural Resources
- Creating a living shoreline by planting plenty of seaweed and creating an environment that sea creatures will be attracted to can help. More life means less chance of erosion.
- Beach Nourishment
- Beach nourishment is a great option for stopping erosion. Transplanting sand from other areas or purchasing sand in bulk can keep the beach looking nice and healthy
- Wind Breaks
- Wind breaks, such as small fences set back from the beach, can help control erosion.
- Barrier Walls
- Barrier walls can be placed at the beach to stop the waves from hitting the sand and eroding it over time.
- Coir
- Coir, a natural, eco-friendly material that is a byproduct of coconut trees, can slow coastal erosion and minimize damage.
- Stabilizing Dunes
- Stabilizing dunes with fences and/or native vegetation can control erosion.
- Wetland Protection and Restoration
- Protecting and restoring wetlands can help control coastal erosion.
- Relocation or Removal of Structures
- Relocating or removing structures and debris can help control erosion.
Source: Indian Express
Practice Question
“Coastal erosion is a significant issue affecting many parts of India’s coastline. Discuss the causes and consequences of coastal erosion and evaluate the effectiveness of India’s current strategies in managing this issue. (250 words)