Coastal Erosion in India

Coastal Erosion in India

Context

A National Centre for Coastal Research (NCCR) study found 28.3% of Odisha’s 564-kilometre coastline eroding, while 54.1% is accreting. Jagatsinghpur is the most affected district. Sea-level rise and waves have submerged 16 villages, leading to the Bagapatia climate-resettlement colony.

Status & Regional Distribution of Coastal Erosion in India

• National Average: 33.6% of India’s coastline eroded, 26.9% accreted and 39.5% remained stable during 1990–2018.
• East vs. West Coast: Erosion affects 38% of the eastern coast and 30% of the western coast, mainly due to cyclones and sediment transport.
• Most Vulnerable States & UTs:
  1. West Bengal: Over 60% erosion, especially in the Sundarbans.
  2. Puducherry: 56.2% erosion.
  3. Kerala & Tamil Nadu: Over 40% erosion.

Key Drivers of Coastal Erosion

Natural drivers include cyclones, sea-level rise, wave energy and littoral drift, while anthropogenic drivers include coastal structures, upstream dams, mangrove clearance and sand mining.

1. Natural Drivers

• Cyclones: Storm surges remove beach sediments.
• Sea-Level Rise: Higher sea levels increase inland wave penetration.
• Littoral Drift: Strong currents transport sediment along the coast.

2. Anthropogenic Drivers

• Port Infrastructure: Breakwaters and jetties disrupt sediment flow, causing down-drift erosion.
• Upstream Dams: Trap river sediments needed for delta replenishment.
• Loss of Natural Buffers: Mangrove and dune destruction increases wave impact.
• Sand Mining: Excessive extraction reduces sediment availability.

Major Systemic Impacts

Existing Policy Frameworks & Structural Solutions

Coastal management combines Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) norms, nature-based solutions, planned resettlement and Integrated Coastal Zone Management.

1. Regulatory Frameworks

• Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) Notifications: Regulate development in vulnerable coastal areas.
• Integrated Coastal Zone Management Plan (ICZMP): Promotes sustainable coastal-resource planning.

2. Soft & Nature-Based Solutions (NbS)

• Bio-Shielding: Mangroves and dunes absorb wave energy.
• Beach Nourishment: Adds sand to restore eroded beaches.

3. Planned Resettlement & Adaptation

• Bagapatia Model: Provides rehabilitation, land security and resilient housing for displaced communities.

Way Forward

• Hybrid Defense Structures: Combine reefs, geotextile tubes and mangroves instead of relying solely on seawalls.
• Sediment Bypass Systems: Maintain natural sediment flow around ports.
• Shoreline Management Plans (SMPs): Require state-level planning before major coastal projects.
• Continuous Earth Observation: Use satellite monitoring for dynamic shoreline assessment and early warning.

Conclusion

Coastal erosion threatens ecosystems, infrastructure and communities. India needs Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM) combining ecosystem-based adaptation, regulated development, sediment management and planned resettlement.