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Introduction

India is blessed with an extensive and diverse coastline that extends along the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal, spanning a length of 7,516.6 kilometres. This coastline boasts various resources ranging from fisheries to minerals. Nevertheless, these coastal regions are vulnerable to natural hazards such as cyclones, floods, and coastal erosion, underscoring the importance of robust natural hazard preparedness in these areas.

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Resource Potentials of the Long Coastlines of India:

• Fisheries: India’s coastline is a hotspot for fisheries, both marine and inland, as exemplified by Kerala’s Malabar Coast, renowned for its seafood varieties, including fish, prawns, and crabs. It has been estimated that India possesses fisheries potential of 4.41 million tonnes.
• Minerals: Coastal regions often harbor rich mineral deposits, including heavy minerals, rare earth elements, and industrial minerals. For instance, substantial reserves of polymetallic nodules containing manganese, nickel, and cobalt are believed to exist on the Indian Ocean seabed.
• Sand and Gravel: Coastal regions are often sources of sand and gravel, vital for construction and infrastructure development. Notably, the sands found on beaches and dunes in India contain light heavy minerals like ilmenite, garnet, zircon, and monazite.
• Biodiversity: Coastal ecosystems, such as mangroves and estuaries, support rich biodiversity. A prime example is the Sunderbans, which is home to approximately 350 vascular plant species, 250 fish species, 300 bird species, and numerous other organisms, spanning from phytoplankton and fungi to mammals.
• Renewable Energy: India’s coastlines offer vast potential for harnessing renewable energy, particularly through offshore wind farms and tidal energy installations. For instance, Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC) could theoretically provide 180,000 MW of energy in India.
• Oil and Gas: Indian coastal areas have offshore oil and gas reserves. As of April 2022, the estimated crude oil reserves in India stood at 651.77 million tonnes.
• Ports and Trade:  India boasts 13 major ports and 187 minor and intermediate ports along its coastlines, facilitating international trade and commerce.
• Coral Reefs: Coastal regions, particularly around the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and the Gulf of Mannar, harbor diverse coral reef ecosystems. These reefs support unique marine biodiversity, attract ecotourism, and protect coastlines from erosion and storm surges.

Status of Natural Hazard Preparedness in these Areas:

• Early Warning Systems: India’s advanced early warning systems, especially for cyclones, demonstrate the nation’s commitment to natural hazard preparedness. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) provides timely and accurate alerts, enabling efficient evacuation.
• Cyclone Preparedness: Coastal states, as demonstrated in Orissa, have made investments in cyclone shelters, which function as evacuation centers during cyclone threats. The National Cyclone Risk Mitigation Project (NCRMP) underscores the nation’s commitment to enhancing cyclone preparedness in coastal regions.
• Disaster Management Authorities: Coastal states have dedicated disaster management authorities responsible for coordinating response and preparedness efforts. For example, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) plays a vital role in policy formulation and coordination.
• Mangrove Conservation: Ongoing initiatives to conserve and restore mangrove forests demonstrate a proactive stance in bolstering natural defenses against hazards. The announcement of the MISHTI SCHEME in the FY2023-24 budget further underscores the nation’s commitment to this cause.
• Climate Resilience: Initiatives like the Integrated Coastal Zone Management Project (ICZMP), have been implemented to address the challenges posed by climate change in coastal areas.
• Community Awareness: Initiatives to raise awareness among coastal communities about disaster preparedness and response have been implemented. These efforts include community drills and education on how to respond during emergencies.

Conclusion

India’s extensive coastlines present a unique duality, offering abundant resources while also being susceptible to natural hazards. However, through concrete measures, India can pave the way for unlocking the full potential of its blue economy resources while enhancing disaster resilience.