QUES . Comment on the resource potentials of the long coastline of India and highlight the status of natural hazard preparedness in these areas. UPSC 2023 GS MAINS PAPER I, 250 words, 15 Marks
भारत की लंबी तटरेखीय संसाधन क्षमताओं पर टिप्पणी कीजिए और इन क्षेत्रों में प्राकृतिक खतरे की तैयारी की स्थिति पर प्रकाश डालिए।
HINTS:
India’’s long coastline of 7517 km is rich in varied resources which can be harnessed for livelihoods and economic development.
Resource potentials of the long coastline of India
Energy Resources
Offshore areas along the coast are known for hydrocarbon reserves, including oil and natural gas in the Krishna-Godavari and Mumbai High basins. Shale deposits are found along coasts of Gujarat, Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh. Rich methane hydrate deposits are found along the KG Basin.
India has also made advances in offshore wind energy, with a potential capacity of 70 GW. Tropical coasts of India have vast solar energy potential. Coastal regions are also suitable for tidal and wave energy projects.
Mineral Resources
Coastal regions are also rich in minerals such as salt, heavy minerals, limestone, and phosphates. Salt production and export principally occurs along the Gujarat coast. The coastline provides ideal conditions for salt farming which supports livelihoods. Monazite sands found along the coast but mostly in Kerala are important for India’s nuclear energy security. Placer deposits rich in titanium and gold are also found along coasts. Sand and construction material are also obtained from the coasts.
Food Resources
India’s coastal waters have a rich variety of marine life. They are rich in fisheries making India one of the world’s top fish-producing nations. Seaweeds are also cultivated for food and fertilisers. Coconut, cashew, rice, and various fruits and vegetables are cultivated in these regions.
Trade and Tourism
Multiple ports that handle over 95% of India’s external trade by volume and 70% by value. India’s beaches, backwaters, marine parks, coastal heritage etc. attract both domestic and foreign tourists. Coastal states like Goa, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu attract tourists from around the world.
Natural hazard and preparedness along the coastline of India
Coastal regions, especially in the Bay of Bengal, are susceptible to cyclones. Around 10% of the world’s tropical cyclones occur in the northern Indian Ocean. Advance cyclone warning systems are in place now with the IMD and INCOIS using technology like Doppler radars, automated weather stations, cyclone detection radars etc. The National Cyclone Risk Mitigation Project (NCRMP) focuses on reducing cyclone risks in these regions with investments in Early warning systems (EWS), Cyclone shelters etc.
The Indian Ocean region is susceptible to tsunamis, which can result from undersea earthquakes or volcanic eruptions. The devastating 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami highlighted the vulnerability of coastal areas. The Indian Tsunami Early Warning Centre (ITEWC) at INCOIS Hyderabad provides timely alerts to coastal communities.
Coastal areas are prone to floods, particularly during the monsoon season when heavy rainfall and overflowing rivers can lead to inundation. Mangrove restoration and shelterbelt plantations are being promoted as bio-shields to reduce impact of surges and saline ingress.
Higher sea levels due to climate change can lead to saltwater intrusion, erosion, and increased vulnerability to storm surges. The Integrated Coastal Zone Management Project (ICZMP) aims to address coastal vulnerabilities, including erosion, flooding, and sea-level rise. Steps like beach nourishment through sand bypassing, planting shelterbelt species like casuarina etc. are being taken
National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and State Disaster Management Authorities (SDMAs) are in place to meet any unforeseen situations. Also coastal states have their own disaster management plans to address region-specific risks. Moreover at the local level, residents are trained in disaster response and evacuation procedures by various governmental and non-governmental institutions.
Thus, India has rich resources along its coastal areas but this extensive coastline also faces vulnerabilities to various natural hazards. There is a need for a comprehensive Blue Economy Policy to harness these resources in a sustainable manner.
