Indian Coastal Crisis
Kartavya Desk Staff
Syllabus: Ecology
Source: DTE
Context: India’s coastal regions face a dual crisis—illegal light fishing depleting marine life and erosion threatening 33.6% of the coastline, as revealed by recent government data.
About India’s Coastal Region:
• Extensive Coastline: India has 7,500 km of coastline, spanning 9 states and 4 UTs, supporting livelihoods, trade, and biodiversity.
• Economic Hub: Contributes 4% to India’s GDP through fisheries, tourism, and shipping.
E.g., Mumbai and Chennai ports handle 70% of trade.
• Biodiversity Hotspots: Home to mangroves (Sundarbans), coral reefs (Gulf of Kutch), and endangered species like Olive Ridley turtles.
• Population Pressure: Over 250 million people live within 50 km of the coast, increasing vulnerability to disasters.
• Climate Vulnerability: Faces rising sea levels (3.2 mm/year) and cyclones.
Significance of Coastal Ecosystems:
• Carbon Sequestration: Mangroves absorb and store 4x more carbon than terrestrial forests, mitigating climate change.
E.g., Example: Bhitarkanika mangroves (Odisha) act as a major carbon sink.
• Fisheries Support: Coastal waters contribute 70% of India’s fish production, sustaining millions of livelihoods.
E.g., 16 million fishers depend on coastal fishing for income.
• Natural Barriers: Coral reefs and sand dunes reduce wave impact, preventing coastal erosion.
E.g., Gulf of Mannar’s reefs protect Tamil Nadu’s shoreline.
• Tourism Revenue: Coastal tourism generates $11 billion annually, boosting local economies.
E.g., Goa and Puri beaches attract millions of tourists yearly.
• Cultural Heritage: Coastal regions host UNESCO sites and indigenous fishing traditions.
E.g., Chola temples (Tamil Nadu) and Koli fishing communities.
Issues Plaguing Indian Coastal Systems:
• Illegal Light Fishing: Despite bans, mechanized boats use bright LED lights to attract fish, depleting juvenile populations.
E.g., Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh face rampant violations, harming traditional fishers’ livelihoods.
• Coastal Erosion: Rising sea levels and human activities like sand mining accelerate shoreline loss.
E.g., Dakshina Kannada (Karnataka) lost 48.4% of its coast in 30 years.
• Pollution: Plastic waste and industrial effluents choke marine life and degrade water quality.
E.g., Versova Beach (Mumbai) required massive cleanups to restore ecosystems.
• Habitat Destruction: Mangroves and wetlands are cleared for infrastructure, reducing natural storm buffers.
E.g., Mumbai lost 40% of its mangroves since 1987 due to urban expansion.
• Weak Enforcement: Lack of monitoring allows illegal construction and fishing to thrive unchecked.
E.g., Adani port in Kerala faced CRZ violations due to poor oversight.
Way Forward:
• Strict Enforcement: Deploy AI drones and increase Coast Guard patrols to detect illegal activities.
E.g., Kerala’s crackdown on LED-equipped boats reduced light fishing.
• Eco-Friendly Infrastructure: Artificial reefs and sand replenishment can stabilize eroding coastlines.
E.g., Puducherry’s submerged breakwaters reduced erosion by 30%.
• Community Participation: Engage local fishers in conservation to ensure sustainable fishing practices.
E.g., Tamil Nadu’s fisher unions actively patrol against illegal trawling.
• Climate Adaptation: Relocate high-risk coastal settlements to safer inland areas.
E.g., Odisha built cyclone-resistant homes for vulnerable communities.
• Research & Funding: Expand scientific studies on erosion and allocate budgets for mangrove restoration.
E.g., NCCR’s satellite mapping helps track erosion hotspots.
Conclusion:
India’s coasts are vital for ecology, economy, and culture, but face threats from erosion, pollution, and overfishing. Stricter enforcement, community involvement, and sustainable policies can safeguard these ecosystems for future generations.
• Coastal sand mining, whether legal or illegal, poses one of the biggest threats to our environment. Analyse the impact of sand mining along the Indian coasts, citing specific examples. (UPSC-2019)