Subject: Disaster Management

Answer:

India's extensive 7,500 km coastline faces significant challenges from coastal erosion, threatening both ecological balance and human settlements. Recent studies from 1990-2018 reveal that 33.6% of India's coastline is eroding, while 26.9% is accreting, and 39.6% remains stable, highlighting the magnitude of this natural hazard.

Causes of Coastal Erosion

Natural Factors:

• Sea Level Rise: Accelerated by global warming, leading to increased wave action and erosion patterns.
• Extreme Weather Events: Cyclones and storm surges intensify coastal erosion processes.
• Tidal Actions: Regular wave movements gradually wear away coastal structures.

Anthropogenic Factors:

• Coastal Infrastructure: Unplanned construction of ports, harbors, and buildings.
• Sand Mining: Illegal extraction affecting natural sediment balance.
• Mangrove Destruction: Removal of natural barriers increasing vulnerability.

Effects of Coastal Erosion

Environmental Impacts:

• Ecosystem Degradation: Loss of coastal habitats and biodiversity.
• Saltwater Intrusion: Contamination of freshwater aquifers.
• Morphological Changes: Alterations in deltaic landforms and beach profiles.

Socio-Economic Impacts:

• Community Displacement: Forced relocation of coastal populations.
• Economic Losses: Damage to infrastructure and livelihood sources.
• Cultural Heritage: Loss of historical coastal sites and traditions.

Coastal Management Techniques

Hard Engineering Solutions:

• Seawalls and Breakwaters: Physical barriers to protect coastlines.
• Groynes: Structures perpendicular to shore preventing longshore drift.
• Revetments: Sloping structures absorbing wave energy.

Soft Engineering Approaches:

• Beach Nourishment: Artificial addition of sand to eroded beaches.
• Mangrove Restoration: Implementation of MISHTI (Mangrove Initiative for Shoreline Habitats & Tangible Incomes).
• Dune Stabilization: Vegetation planting to prevent sand erosion.

Policy Measures:

• Allocation of ₹1,500 crore under National Disaster Mitigation Fund (2021-26).
• Additional ₹1,000 crore through NDRF for rehabilitation.
• Implementation of Integrated Coastal Zone Management plans.

The comprehensive management of coastal erosion requires a balanced approach combining engineering solutions with ecosystem-based adaptation strategies, supported by robust policy frameworks like the Coastal Regulation Zone notifications and community participation.