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UPSC GS Paper-1: Q.14 Comment on the resource potentials of the long coastlines of India and highlight the status of natural hazard preparedness in these areas.

Ashutosh Bansal September 30, 2023 02:35 4309 0

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Q.14 Comment on the resource potentials of the long coastlines of India and highlight the status of natural hazard preparedness in these areas.

UPSC GS Paper-1: Q.14 Comment on the resource potentials of the long coastlines of India and highlight the status of natural hazard preparedness in these areas.

Q.14 Comment on the resource potentials of the long coastlines of India and highlight the status of natural hazard preparedness in these areas.

Ans:
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.

Body

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.Natural Hazard
  • 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.

 

Gaps/Challenges in Natural Hazard Preparedness in These Areas:

  • Last-Mile Connectivity: While early warning systems are in place, ensuring that warnings reach every vulnerable community, especially those in remote areas, remains a challenge.  For instance, during Cyclone Fani in 2019, some remote coastal villages in Odisha did not receive timely alerts, illustrating the last-mile connectivity gap in disaster preparedness.
  • Resource Allocation: Ensuring that coastal states have the necessary resources and infrastructure to address potential hazards is an ongoing concern. For example, in the aftermath of Cyclone Tauktae in 2021, Gujarat faced challenges in resource allocation for immediate relief and recovery efforts, revealing a gap in preparedness related to resource distribution.
  • Population Density: With about 40% of India’s population residing within 100 kilometers of the shore, it poses a challenge during evacuations and disaster management.
  • Climate Change: is exacerbating the intensity and frequency of disasters. For instance, the Arabian Sea witnessed a 52% surge in the occurrence of cyclonic storms between 2001 and 2019, marking a significant rise compared to the preceding period from 1982 to 2000. 
  • Interagency Coordination: Effective coordination among various entities, including government agencies, NGOs, and stakeholders, is crucial for disaster preparedness. However, achieving this coordination can be challenging, as demonstrated during the post-cyclone Phailin recovery in Odisha in 2013, highlighting a gap in disaster preparedness.
  • Lack of Knowledge: Many coastal residents do not fully understand the importance of evacuation or how to respond effectively during a natural disaster, indicating a gap in disaster preparedness in India.

 

Way Forward

  • Integrated Coastal Management: Implement multiple integrated coastal management plans like Integrated Coastal Zone Management Project (ICZMP),  that balance resource utilization with conservation efforts. This should include sustainable fishing practices, protection of critical ecosystems like coral reefs and mangroves, and responsible mineral extraction.
  • Resource Management: Seek diverse funding mechanisms, including public-private partnerships, international assistance, and climate finance, to secure the necessary resources for resilient infrastructure development, drawing inspiration from the Caribbean Catastrophe Risk Insurance Facility (CCRIF).
  • Technological Advancements: Invest in modern equipment, early warning systems, and data-sharing mechanisms to improve preparedness and response times.
  • Interagency Collaboration: Strengthen coordination among various agencies involved in disaster management, including government bodies, non-governmental organizations, and research institutions, drawing inspiration from the Philippines’ Disaster Risk Reduction and Management System.
  • Sustainable Resource Management: Implement responsible resource management practices that balance resource utilization with conservation akin to eco sensitive zones. This includes sustainable fishing practices, protection of coral reefs and mangroves, and responsible mineral extraction.
  • Community-Centered Approaches: Engage local communities in decision-making processes, involving them in project planning, implementation, and monitoring to align reconstruction efforts with their needs and priorities.


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.

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