Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Mains level: Coastal erosion; Climate change impact;
Why in the News?
During the ongoing Winter Session of Parliament, the Union Environment Ministry presented data shedding light on the critical issue of coastal erosion in India.
What are the key findings of the report?
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What are the causes of coastal erosion in India?
- Rising Sea Levels: Climate change has led to increased sea levels, which amplify storm surges and coastal flooding, significantly contributing to erosion.
- Sand Mining and Infrastructure Projects: Unregulated sand extraction and construction activities, such as ports and seawalls, disrupt natural sediment flow, exacerbating erosion in vulnerable areas.
- For example, illegal sand mining along the Bhagirathi-Hooghly River has reduced river channel width by up to 55%, significantly increasing erosion risks along the banks.
- Mangrove Depletion: The loss of mangroves, which act as natural barriers against wave action, leaves coastlines more exposed to erosion. For instance, after Cyclone Gaja in 2019, Muthupet mangroves in Tamil Nadu lost nearly three square kilometres of coverage due to uprooted trees.
- Cyclonic Activity: An increase in cyclonic events has destabilised coastal systems, further intensifying erosion. As per the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) reported that 75% of the Indian coastline is susceptible to cyclones and related hazards.
CASE STUDY: Mitigation Efforts in Karnataka
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Why there is a need for a paradigm shift?
- Ineffectiveness of Traditional Methods: Long-standing strategies like constructing concrete sea walls have proven ineffective over the past 30 years in preventing coastal erosion.
- Recommendations Against Human Habitation: Engineers recommend restricting habitation in vulnerable areas to mitigate risks associated with coastal erosion; however, political interests often overshadow these warnings.
- Investment in Sustainable Solutions: Environmental activists argue that funds currently allocated for traditional coastal structures would be better spent on creating safe townships away from vulnerable coastlines, ensuring community safety during extreme weather events.
- Holistic Approaches Needed: A multi-faceted strategy involving ecosystem restoration (e.g., mangrove replantation), stricter regulation of sand mining, and innovative solutions like artificial reefs is essential for effective long-term management of coastal erosion issues.
Way forward:
- Adopt Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM): Implement holistic strategies combining ecosystem restoration, stricter regulations on sand mining, and innovative measures like artificial reefs and eco-friendly breakwaters to ensure long-term coastal resilience.
- Promote Managed Retreat and Community Awareness: Relocate vulnerable communities to safer areas away from high-risk zones while fostering community-driven conservation efforts and leveraging real-time monitoring technologies like AI to mitigate erosion impacts effectively.
Mains PYQ:
Q Explain the causes and effects of coastal erosion in India. What are the available coastal management techniques for combating the hazard? (UPSC IAS/2022)
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