Introduction: Western and Eastern Coastal Plains

The Peninsular plateau is flanked by stretches of narrow coastal strips, running along the Arabian Sea on the west and the Bay of Bengal on the east. 

India’s extensive coastline can be broadly divided into two main regions: the western coastal plains and the eastern coastal plains.

Western Coastal Plains: From Submerged Areas to Natural Ports

• Submerged Coastal Plains: Exploring Underwater Landscapes: These plains are submerged coastal areas and have natural conditions favorable for port development. 
  • Notably, the ancient city of Dwaraka on the west coast is submerged.
  • Key natural ports along this coast include Kandla, Mazagaon, JLN Port, Navha Sheva, Marmagao, Mangalore, and Cochin.
• Geographic Extent: From Gujarat to Kerala: Geographically, it extends from the Gujarat coast in the north to the Kerala coast in the south.
• Division of Coastal Plain: A Regional Breakdown: Divisions include the Kachchh and Kathiawar coasts in Gujarat, the Konkan coast in Maharashtra, the Goan coast, and the Malabar coast in Karnataka and Kerala.
• Topographical Variation: Narrowing and Broadening Landscapes: The western coastal plains narrow in the middle and broaden towards the north and south.
• Rivers in this region do not form deltas, but the Malabar coast is known for its “Kayals” (backwaters) used for fishing and tourism.
  • The Nehru Trophy Vallamkali (boat race) is a famous event held in Punnamada Kayal in Kerala.

Eastern Coastal Plains: Features, Challenges, and Natural Wonders:

• Emergent Coast and its characteristics:  These plains are an example of an emergent coast and are broader than their western counterparts. 
  • Due to its emergent nature, there are fewer ports and harbours along this coast. 
• Extended Continental Shelf: Implications for Ports and Harbours: The continental shelf here extends up to 500 km into the sea, making it challenging for the development of major ports and harbours.
• Division of Eastern Coast: Northern Circar and Coromandel Regions: The eastern coastal plains include the Northern Circar and Coromandel Coast regions. 
• Delta Formation: Key Deltas along the Eastern Coast: Well-developed deltas are formed by rivers flowing eastward into the Bay of Bengal, including the Mahanadi, Godavari, Krishna, and Kaveri deltas. 
  • Lake Chilika is a significant feature along the eastern coast.

India’s Island Treasures: Bay of Bengal vs. Arabian Sea Coastal Plains

• India has two major island groups, one in the Bay of Bengal (Andaman and Nicobar islands Gropu) and the other in the Arabian Sea (Lakshadweep Islands Group). 
• These island groups are of great strategic importance for the country. 
• There is great diversity of flora and fauna in this group of islands too. 
• These islands lie close to the equator and experience equatorial climate and have thick forest cover.

Bay of Bengal Islands: Coastal Plains, Geological Wonders, and Natural Calamities

• Geographical Distribution and Coordinates of India’s 572 Isles: Comprising approximately 572 islands/islets, located between 6°N-14°N and 92°E -94°E.
• Geographical Division: Ten Degree Channel Separation: Divided into the Andaman Islands in the north and the Nicobar Islands in the south.
  • It is separated by the Ten Degree Channel.
• Geological Origins and Volcanic Features: These islands are believed to be an elevated portion of submarine mountains, with some smaller islands being volcanic. (Refer Figure)
• Prominent Geographical Features: Notable features include Barren Island, the only active volcano in India, and
  • Various mountain peaks like Saddle Peak (738 m, North Andaman), Mount Diavolo (515 m, Middle Andaman), Mount Koyob (460 m, South Andaman), and Mount Thuiller (642 m, Great Nicobar) located in these islands.
• Coral Deposits and Scenic Beaches: The coastal areas including coastal plains have coral deposits and beautiful beaches.
• Precipitation and Equatorial Vegetation: These islands experience convectional rainfall and have equatorial vegetation.
• The 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami was a devastating natural calamity that affected these islands, among other areas, causing significant damage.

The Islands

Lakshadweep Islands: Jewels in the Arabian Sea with Coastal Plains

• Formerly known as Laccadive, Minicoy, and Amindive, these islands were renamed Lakshadweep in 1973.
• Renaming and Strategic Geographical Position off Kerala’s Coast: This group Includes Lakshadweep and Minicoy islands, located between 8°N-12°N and 71°E -74°E, situated 280 km-480 km off the Kerala coast.
• Coral-Based Formation of Lakshadweep Islands: Built entirely from coral deposits, with about 36 islands, of which 11 are inhabited. 
  • Among these, Minicoy is the largest island.
• Geographical Division and Coastal Features of Lakshadweep Islands: These are divided into northern islands like Amini Island and southern islands like Canannore Island.
• The eastern seaboard has storm beaches with pebbles, shingles, cobbles, and boulders.
• Strategic Significance: These islands possess significant strategic importance.
  • They have diverse ecosystems and equatorial climates.

Significance of India’s Physical Features, from Natural Wealth to Coastal Plains

• Diverse Physiographic Units and Natural Wealth: India’s diverse physiographic units, each with its unique characteristics, contribute to the nation’s natural wealth. 
• Mountains as Primary Sources of Water and Forest Resources: The mountains serve as primary sources of water and forest resources, vital for the country’s well-being. 
• Northern Plains: Granaries of India and Cradle of Early Civilizations: The northern plains, with their fertile soil, have long been the granaries of India and the foundation of early civilizations. 
• Plateau’s Role in India’s Industrialization: Mineral Wealth: The plateau, rich in minerals, has played a pivotal role in the nation’s industrialization. 
• Leveraging Coastal Regions and Islands for Maritime Potential: Coastal regions including the western and eastern coastal plains, and island groups offer opportunities for fishing and port activities, enhancing India’s maritime potential.

Conclusion

• A detailed account of the different physiographic units discussed above highlights the unique features of each region. 
• These regions complement one another, enriching India’s abundant resources. 
• India’s multifaceted physical features hold immense potential for future development, encompassing agriculture, industry, and maritime endeavours. 

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