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Coastal Erosion in India: An Alarming Environmental Crisis
Context:
India’s coastal regions are increasingly threatened by erosion, with 33.6% of the coastline affected due to a combination of natural and human-induced factors. The recent Lok Sabha reply highlights the pressing need for coordinated efforts to mitigate the issue and protect coastal ecosystems and communities.
Extent of Coastal Erosion
- National Impact: 33.6% of India’s coastline is eroding, 26.9% is growing (accretion), and 39.6% remains stable.
- Karnataka’s Scenario: Karnataka fared better nationally with 50% stability.
- Dakshina Kannada district is the worst affected, with 48.4% (17.74 km) of its 36.66 km coastline eroded.
- Neighboring Districts:
- Udupi: 34.7% (34.96 km of 100.71 km) eroded.
- Uttara Kannada: 12.3% (21.64 km of 175.65 km) eroded.
Causes of Coastal Erosion
- Rising Sea Levels: Amplified by climate change, causing storm surges and flooding.
- Sand Mining and Infrastructure: Unregulated activities disrupt sediment flow.
- Mangrove Depletion: Loss of natural barriers exposes coasts to wave action.
- Increased Cyclonic Activity: Frequent storms destabilise coastal ecosystems.
Consequences of Erosion
- Livelihood Risks: Fishing communities and coastal economies are severely impacted.
- Infrastructure Damage: Threats to roads, housing, and ports.
- Ecosystem Collapse: Biodiversity hotspots like estuaries and mangroves are at risk.
Mitigation Efforts in Karnataka
- Shoreline Management Plan: Implemented under the Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) Notification, 2019.
- K-SHORE Project: World Bank-funded initiative to strengthen coastal protection, tackle marine plastic pollution, and promote sustainable practices.
- Restoration Measures:
- Mangrove replantation.
- Sand dune protection.
- Use of artificial reefs and eco-friendly breakwaters.
Challenges and Expert Recommendations
- Ineffective Past Strategies: Concrete seawalls and boulders have failed to address long-term erosion.
- Engineer Warnings Ignored: Advisories against habitation in vulnerable areas overshadowed by political interests.
- Natural Phenomenon Perspective: Marine geologists emphasise erosion as part of a natural balance disrupted by man-made structures.
Call for a Paradigm Shift
- Rethink Spending: Invest in safe townships away from vulnerable areas rather than ineffective coastal structures.
- Adopt Innovative Approaches: Combine AI-driven monitoring and community-driven conservation for long-term solutions.
- Focus on Sustainability: Prioritise restoration of natural defenses like mangroves over concrete-based solutions.
