Answer:

Introduction:

Coastal erosion is a significant environmental hazard affecting India’s vast coastline, which spans approximately 7,500 kilometers. It is primarily caused by natural processes such as wave action, tides, and currents, exacerbated by human activities. Coastal erosion has far-reaching consequences on coastal communities, infrastructure, and ecosystems.

Body:

Causes of Coastal Erosion:

• Natural Processes: Natural forces such as waves, tides, and currents continuously shape the coastline, leading to erosion. Seasonal monsoon winds, cyclones, and storm surges can intensify erosion rates.
• Sea-Level Rise: Global warming and climate change contribute to the rise in sea levels, making coastal areas more vulnerable to erosion. As sea levels increase, wave energy and erosion potential also escalate.
• Human Activities: Human interventions along the coast, including construction of harbors, ports, and coastal structures, sand mining and dredging, disrupt natural sediment transport patterns. This interference obstructs the replenishment of sediment along the coast, leading to erosion. Like Goa

Effects of Coastal Erosion:

• Loss of Land and Infrastructure: Coastal erosion results in the loss of valuable land, including agricultural fields and settlements, infrastructure such as roads, buildings, and coastal protection structures. This loss affects livelihoods, displaced communities, and disrupts economic activities.
• Ecosystem Degradation: Coastal erosion depletes valuable coastal ecosystems like mangroves, coral reefs, and seagrass beds. These ecosystems serve as natural buffers, protecting the coast from erosion and providing habitats for diverse marine species. Their degradation impacts biodiversity and fisheries.
• Increased Vulnerability to Natural Disasters: Eroded coastlines are more susceptible to the impacts of cyclones, storm surges, and tsunamis. Coastal erosion reduces the natural defense mechanisms against these hazards, amplifying their destructive potential and endangering coastal communities.

Coastal Management Techniques:

• Beach Nourishment: This technique involves replenishing eroded beaches with imported sediment. It helps restore natural sediment balance, enhance beach width, and provide temporary protection against erosion.
• Coastal Armoring: Coastal structures such as seawalls and breakwaters are constructed to dissipate wave energy and prevent erosion. While effective in localized areas, they can lead to erosion in adjacent regions and disrupt natural sediment flow.
• Dune Restoration: Restoring and stabilizing natural sand dune systems can provide protection against erosion. Dunes act as a barrier against wave energy and storm surges, safeguarding coastal areas and supporting dune vegetation.
• Managed Retreat: In areas with extensive erosion and high vulnerability, relocation of human settlements and infrastructure further inland may be necessary. Managed retreat allows for the natural processes to occur without compromising human safety.
• Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM): ICZM approaches focus on holistic and sustainable management of the coastal zone. It involves comprehensive planning, regulation of human activities, and ecosystem conservation to mitigate erosion and promote resilience.

Conclusion:

Coastal erosion demands urgent attention to safeguard vulnerable coastlines. Effective coastal management techniques such as beach nourishment, shoreline protection structures, and strategic land-use planning can aid in combating this hazard, ensuring sustainable coastal development and preserving the rich natural heritage of the nation.

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