Syllabus: Ecology
Source: DTE
Context: India’s coastal regions face a dual crisis—illegal light fishing depleting marine life and erosion threatening 33.6% of the coastline, as revealed by recent government data.
About India’s Coastal Region:
- Extensive Coastline: India has 7,500 km of coastline, spanning 9 states and 4 UTs, supporting livelihoods, trade, and biodiversity.
- Economic Hub: Contributes 4% to India’s GDP through fisheries, tourism, and shipping.
E.g., Mumbai and Chennai ports handle 70% of trade.
- Biodiversity Hotspots: Home to mangroves (Sundarbans), coral reefs (Gulf of Kutch), and endangered species like Olive Ridley turtles.
- Population Pressure: Over 250 million people live within 50 km of the coast, increasing vulnerability to disasters.
- Climate Vulnerability: Faces rising sea levels (3.2 mm/year) and cyclones.
Significance of Coastal Ecosystems:
- Carbon Sequestration: Mangroves absorb and store 4x more carbon than terrestrial forests, mitigating climate change.
E.g., Example: Bhitarkanika mangroves (Odisha) act as a major carbon sink.
- Fisheries Support: Coastal waters contribute 70% of India’s fish production, sustaining millions of livelihoods.
E.g., 16 million fishers depend on coastal fishing for income.
- Natural Barriers: Coral reefs and sand dunes reduce wave impact, preventing coastal erosion.
E.g., Gulf of Mannar’s reefs protect Tamil Nadu’s shoreline.
- Tourism Revenue: Coastal tourism generates $11 billion annually, boosting local economies.
E.g., Goa and Puri beaches attract millions of tourists yearly.
- Cultural Heritage: Coastal regions host UNESCO sites and indigenous fishing traditions.
E.g., Chola temples (Tamil Nadu) and Koli fishing communities.
Issues Plaguing Indian Coastal Systems:
- Illegal Light Fishing: Despite bans, mechanized boats use bright LED lights to attract fish, depleting juvenile populations.
E.g., Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh face rampant violations, harming traditional fishers’ livelihoods.
- Coastal Erosion: Rising sea levels and human activities like sand mining accelerate shoreline loss.
E.g., Dakshina Kannada (Karnataka) lost 48.4% of its coast in 30 years.
- Pollution: Plastic waste and industrial effluents choke marine life and degrade water quality.
E.g., Versova Beach (Mumbai) required massive cleanups to restore ecosystems.
- Habitat Destruction: Mangroves and wetlands are cleared for infrastructure, reducing natural storm buffers.
E.g., Mumbai lost 40% of its mangroves since 1987 due to urban expansion.
- Weak Enforcement: Lack of monitoring allows illegal construction and fishing to thrive unchecked.
E.g., Adani port in Kerala faced CRZ violations due to poor oversight.
Way Forward:
- Strict Enforcement: Deploy AI drones and increase Coast Guard patrols to detect illegal activities.
E.g., Kerala’s crackdown on LED-equipped boats reduced light fishing.
- Eco-Friendly Infrastructure: Artificial reefs and sand replenishment can stabilize eroding coastlines.
E.g., Puducherry’s submerged breakwaters reduced erosion by 30%.
- Community Participation: Engage local fishers in conservation to ensure sustainable fishing practices.
E.g., Tamil Nadu’s fisher unions actively patrol against illegal trawling.
- Climate Adaptation: Relocate high-risk coastal settlements to safer inland areas.
E.g., Odisha built cyclone-resistant homes for vulnerable communities.
- Research & Funding: Expand scientific studies on erosion and allocate budgets for mangrove restoration.
E.g., NCCR’s satellite mapping helps track erosion hotspots.
Conclusion:
India’s coasts are vital for ecology, economy, and culture, but face threats from erosion, pollution, and overfishing. Stricter enforcement, community involvement, and sustainable policies can safeguard these ecosystems for future generations.
PYQ:
- Coastal sand mining, whether legal or illegal, poses one of the biggest threats to our environment. Analyse the impact of sand mining along the Indian coasts, citing specific examples. (UPSC-2019)
