Comment on the resource potentials of the long coastline of India and highlight the status of natural hazard preparedness in these areas. (Answer in 250 words) 15

Introduction

India’s extensive coastline, spanning around 7,500 kilometers from the Arabian Sea to the Bay of Bengal, offers a plethora of resource opportunities. Nonetheless, it also exposes these coastal regions to various natural hazards.

Body

Resource Potential of India’s Extensive Coastline:

• Abundant Fisheries: The coastal waters of India are abundant in diverse marine life, positioning the country as one of the leading fish-producing nations globally.
• Thriving Tourism: India’s coastline features picturesque beaches, scenic landscapes, and historical attractions, drawing in tourists from across the globe. States such as Goa, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu are renowned for their tourism appeal.
• Hydrocarbons and Mineral Reserves: Offshore areas along the coast harbor significant hydrocarbon reserves, including oil and natural gas in locations like the Bombay High and K-G basin. Coastal regions are also rich in various minerals such as salt, heavy minerals, limestone, and phosphates.
• Valuable Placer Deposits: Continental shelves hold placer deposits containing valuable minerals like titanium, zircon, and rare earth elements.
• Agricultural Diversity: Coastal regions support the cultivation of various crops including coconuts, cashews, rice, and an array of fruits and vegetables.
• Emerging Opportunities: These include ventures such as seaweed cultivation, offshore wind farms, tidal energy converters, and ocean-to-freshwater plants.

Vulnerability to Natural Hazards in these Regions:

• Cyclones: Coastal areas, notably in the Bay of Bengal, face the risk of cyclones, particularly during the monsoon season.
• Floods: Monsoon-induced heavy rainfall and swelling rivers pose the threat of floods in these coastal regions.
• Tsunamis: The Indian Ocean region is susceptible to tsunamis triggered by undersea earthquakes or volcanic eruptions. The catastrophic 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami underscored the vulnerability of coastal areas.
• Sea-level Rise: Climatic changes leading to higher sea levels can result in saltwater intrusion, erosion, and heightened susceptibility to storm surges.

Preparedness for Natural Hazards in these Regions:

• Disaster Management Infrastructure: India’s disaster management framework, including the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and State Disaster Management Authorities (SDMAs), facilitates effective disaster response.
• Tailored Disaster Management Plans: Coastal states have customized disaster management plans to address specific risks such as cyclones, floods, and tsunamis.
• Cyclone Risk Mitigation: The National Cyclone Risk Mitigation Project (NCRMP) concentrates on reducing cyclone risks through investments in Early Warning Systems (EWS) and cyclone shelters.
• Tsunami Alert Systems: The Indian Tsunami Early Warning Centre (ITEWC) at INCOIS Hyderabad delivers timely alerts to coastal communities in the event of a tsunami.
• Integrated Coastal Zone Management Project (ICZMP): ICZMP endeavors to tackle coastal vulnerabilities, including erosion, flooding, and sea-level rise, complemented by the Coastal Regulation Zone Notification, 2018, preventing encroachments on coastal lands and waters.
• Community Engagement: Local residents are trained in disaster response and evacuation protocols by various governmental and non-governmental organizations, fostering community resilience.

Conclusion

The coastal regions play a crucial role in fostering the nation’s economic development and sustaining the livelihoods of millions. Nevertheless, this expansive coastline remains exposed to diverse natural hazards. Moving forward, it is imperative for India to persist in its investments towards preparedness for coastal hazards, particularly considering the implications of climate change, which heightens the dangers linked to escalating sea levels and increasingly severe storms.

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