India’s Coastline in Danger: What Can Be Done?

Context

India’s coastal regions face two major threats:

1. Illegal light fishing, which depletes marine biodiversity.

2. Coastal erosion, affecting 33.6% of the coastline (government data).

These issues impact economy, environment, and livelihoods, requiring urgent action.

India’s Coastal Region

1. India’s Extensive Coastline

• 7,500 km coastline across 9 states and 4 UTs.

• Supports trade, livelihoods, and biodiversity.

2. Economic Significance

• Contributes 4% to GDP through fisheries, tourism, and shipping.

• Example: Mumbai and Chennai ports handle 70% of India’s trade.

3. Biodiversity and Climate Risks

• Mangroves, coral reefs, and endangered species (Olive Ridley turtles).

• Rising sea levels (3.2 mm/year) and frequent cyclones.

Significance of Coastal Ecosystems

1. Climate and Carbon Absorption

• Mangroves store 4x more carbon than terrestrial forests.

• Example: Bhitarkanika Mangroves (Odisha).

2. Fisheries and Livelihoods

• 70% of India’s fish production comes from coastal waters.

• 16 million fishers depend on it.

3. Natural Disaster Protection

• Coral reefs and sand dunes reduce erosion and storm impact.

• Example: Gulf of Mannar reefs protect Tamil Nadu.

4. Tourism and Heritage

• Coastal tourism generates $11 billion annually.

• Example: Goa and Puri beaches.

• Coastal regions host UNESCO sites.

Key Issues

1. Illegal Light Fishing

• LED-equipped boats deplete fish stock.

• Example: Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh face rampant violations.

2. Coastal Erosion

• 33.6% of coastline eroding due to rising sea levels and sand mining.

• Example: Dakshina Kannada lost 48.4% of its coastline in 30 years.

3. Pollution and Habitat Destruction

• Plastic, sewage, and industrial waste degrade marine life.

• Example: Versova Beach cleanup.

• Mangrove loss reduces storm buffers.

• Example: Mumbai lost 40% of its mangroves since 1987.

4. Weak Enforcement

• Illegal fishing, construction, and CRZ violations persist.

• Example: Adani Port (Kerala) faced CRZ violations.

Way Forward

1. Strict Law Enforcement

• AI surveillance, drones, and Coast Guard patrols.

• Example: Kerala’s crackdown on LED fishing boats.

2. Eco-Friendly Coastal Protection

• Artificial reefs, sand replenishment, and breakwaters.

• Example: Puducherry’s breakwaters reduced erosion by 30%.

3. Community Participation

• Fisher cooperatives to ensure sustainable fishing.

• Example: Tamil Nadu’s fisher patrols against illegal trawling.

4. Climate Adaptation

• Relocate high-risk settlements, build cyclone-resistant homes.

• Example: Odisha’s disaster-resilient housing.

5. Research & Policy Support

• Scientific studies, better coastal mapping, increased funding.

• Example: NCCR’s satellite tracking of erosion-prone zones.

Conclusion

India’s coasts are critical for economy, ecology, and heritage, but face threats from erosion, pollution, and overfishing.

Strict policies, eco-friendly solutions, and community involvement can help protect these vital ecosystems.