Coastline of India

The coastline of India stretches approximately 7,516 kilometers, bordering the mainland and islands. It is flanked by the Bay of Bengal to the east, the Indian Ocean to the south, and the Arabian Sea to the west. India's coastline is home to nine states including Gujarat, Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, and West Bengal, as well as four union territories comprising Daman & Diu, Lakshadweep, Puducherry, and Andaman & Nicobar Islands. The coastline is diverse, featuring expansive coastal plains, sandy beaches, rocky shores, mangrove forests, and fertile deltas formed by rivers such as the Ganges, Brahmaputra, Godavari, Krishna, and Kaveri. It is a significant geographical and ecological asset, supporting diverse marine life, vibrant ecosystems, and various economic activities including fishing, tourism, and port facilities.

India's coastline spans 7,516.6 kilometers, encompassing both the mainland and several islands, bordered by the Bay of Bengal to the east, the Indian Ocean to the south, and the Arabian Sea to the west. This coastline is shared by nine states: Gujarat, Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, and West Bengal, as well as four Union Territories: Daman & Diu, Lakshadweep, Puducherry, and the Andaman & Nicobar Islands.

The coastal plains of India are situated alongside the Peninsular plateau, flanking it with narrow strips of land that run along the Arabian Sea to the west and the Bay of Bengal to the east. Here is the breakdown of the coastline length for each state and union territory:

• Gujarat: 1214.7 km
• Andhra Pradesh: 973.7 km
• Tamil Nadu: 906.9 km
• Maharashtra: 652.6 km
• Kerala: 569.7 km
• Odisha: 476.4 km
• Karnataka: 280 km
• West Bengal: 157.5 km
• Goa: 101 km
• Andaman & Nicobar Islands: 1962 km
• Lakshadweep: 132 km
• Puducherry: 47.6 km
• Daman & Diu: 42.5 km

This adds up to a total coastline length of 7,516.6 kilometers across India's various states and union territories.

• The western coast of India, situated between the Western Ghats and the Arabian Sea, is a narrow plain extending from Gujarat in the north to Kerala in the south.
• Divisions of the western coast include:
  • Kachchh and Kathiawar coast in Gujarat
  • Konkan coast in Maharashtra
  • Goan coast in Karnataka
  • Malabar coast in Kerala
• This coastal area represents a submerged coastal plain.
• The width of the western coastal plains narrows in the middle and widens towards the north and south.
• Unlike other regions, rivers flowing through this coastal plain do not form deltas.
• Due to this submergence, the region provides natural conditions for the development of ports and harbors.

• Gujarat is renowned for having the longest coastline among Indian states, extending approximately 1215 kilometers along the Kathiawar region of the state.
• The coastline is distinguished by its sandy beaches, rocky shores, and vibrant ports, including notable ones like Kandla and Mundra.
• Along the coastline, the Gulf of Kutch and the Gulf of Khambhat serve as significant biodiversity hotspots, hosting a wide array of marine life.
• Several beaches dot the coastline of Gujarat, including popular ones such as Diu, Dwarka, and Porbandar.

• Maharashtra boasts a coastline spanning 650 kilometers, famously known as the Konkan Coast.
• The region is bordered by the Western Ghats mountain range in the east, the Arabian Sea in the west, the Daman Ganga River in the north, and the Gangavalli River in the south.
• Major agricultural crops cultivated in the area include rice, millets, pulses, and coconut among others.
• The coastline of Maharashtra is adorned with popular beaches such as Juhu, Marine Drive, and Alibaug, which attract both tourists and locals.
• Notably, large expanses of mangroves can be found, particularly along the Thane Creek and Malvan coastlines.

• Kerala boasts a coastline spanning 570 kilometers along the southwestern coast of India, renowned as the Malabar Coast.
• Starting from the southwestern coast of Maharashtra and extending along the coastal regions of Goa, Karnataka, and Kerala, the Malabar Coast culminates at Kanyakumari.
• The coastline of Kerala is celebrated for its serene backwaters, palm-fringed beaches, and verdant greenery.
• Tourist hotspots like Kovalam, Varkala, and Alleppey entice visitors with their tranquil backwaters, rejuvenating ayurvedic resorts, and captivating houseboat cruises.
• The Malabar Coast in Kerala is characterized by a series of brackish lagoons and lakes, known as kayals, running parallel to the coast.
• Every year, the renowned Nehru Trophy Vallamkali (boat race) takes place in Punnamada Kayal in Kerala, showcasing the region's rich cultural heritage.
• The Malabar Coast is famed for its breathtaking landscapes, tea and coffee plantations, picturesque beaches, and brackish water lakes, contributing to its allure as a prime tourist destination.

• The coastal area of Karnataka, known as Kanara, spans approximately 280 kilometers in length.
• This region is bordered by the Konkan region in the north, the Western Ghats mountain range in the east, the Kerala Plains in the south, and the Arabian Sea in the west.
• The coastline of Kanara is distinguished by its rugged rocky cliffs, picturesque palm-fringed beaches, and historic ports like Mangalore and Karwar.
• Gokarna and Udupi are renowned beach destinations within Kanara, celebrated for their stunning natural beauty and religious significance.
• These coastal areas attract tourists with their tranquil beaches, cultural heritage, and vibrant religious sites, making Kanara a popular destination for travelers seeking both relaxation and spiritual experiences.

• Goa, the smallest Indian state, boasts a coastline stretching 101 kilometers in length.
• The coastline of Goa is characterized by a picturesque blend of bays and headlands, interspersed with large estuaries formed by the Mandovi and Zuari rivers.
• Surrounded by the states of Maharashtra to the north and Karnataka to the east and south, Goa's western coast is embraced by the Arabian Sea.
• The soil of Goa is notable for its richness in ferric-aluminium oxides, giving it a reddish hue. Inland and along the riverbanks, the soil is predominantly alluvial and loamy.
• Goa's coastline is renowned worldwide for its stunning beaches, which are a major draw for tourists. These beaches offer opportunities for water sports, beach parties, and immersion in the state's vibrant culture.
• With its combination of natural beauty, cultural richness, and recreational activities, Goa's coastline stands as a popular destination for travelers seeking sun, sand, and unforgettable experiences.

• The plains along the Bay of Bengal are expansive and flat in nature.
• Unlike the western coastal plain, the eastern coastal plain is wider and is characterized as an emergent coast.
• The northern part of the eastern coast is referred to as the Northern Circar, while the southern part is known as the Coromandel Coast.
• Extensive deltas have been formed by large rivers such as the Mahanadi, Godavari, Krishna, and Kaveri along this coast.
• Due to its emergent nature, the eastern coast has fewer ports and harbors compared to the western coast.
• The continental shelf extends up to 500 kilometers into the sea, posing challenges for the development of robust ports and harbors along this coast.
• Monazite is a mineral mainly containing rare earths and thorium found in Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra and Gujarat and in the inland placers in parts of Jharkhand, West Bengal and Tamil Nadu

• Tamil Nadu's coastline spans over 910 kilometers along the Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea, renowned as the Coromandel Coast.
• Bounded by the Utkal Plains in the north, the Bay of Bengal in the east, the Kaveri delta in the south, and the Eastern Ghats in the west, the state is characterized by its diverse geographical features.
• The main crops cultivated in this region include rice, pulses, sugarcane, cotton, and peanuts, reflecting the agricultural richness of the area.
• Coconut plantations are prevalent along the Coromandel Coast, contributing to the agricultural landscape of Tamil Nadu.
• The state is home to major seaports such as Tuticorin and Chennai, as well as fishing harbors, including the renowned Marina Beach, which is the largest natural urban beach in India.
• The Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park is a notable feature along the Coromandel Coast, encompassing three marine ecosystems: corals, sea grass beds, and mangroves. This region is characterized by swampy areas surrounded by highly productive fringing and patchy coral reefs, contributing to its ecological significance.

• Andhra Pradesh boasts the third-longest coastline in India and is situated in the region of Coastal Andhra.
• The coastline stretches approximately 970 kilometers along the Coromandel Coast, nestled between the Eastern Ghats and the Bay of Bengal.
• This coastal region is characterized by rich agricultural land, primarily owing to the presence of the deltas formed by the Godavari, Krishna, and Penna rivers.
• Rice cultivation dominates the agricultural landscape of the region, followed by pulses and coconut plantations, reflecting the agrarian importance of Andhra Pradesh's coastline.

• The coastal plain of West Bengal is situated in Purba Medinipur and South 24 Parganas districts, spanning approximately 158 kilometers in length.
• Characterized by sandy beaches, mangrove forests, and fertile deltas, the coastline offers a diverse landscape.
• The Sundarbans tidal delta, a part of the world's largest delta fed by the Ganga-Brahmaputra rivers, is a prominent feature of the coastline. It comprises numerous tidal inlets, creeks, and deltaic islands.
• The Sundarbans delta in West Bengal is renowned as the largest mangrove forest in the world. It harbors a diverse range of fauna and is particularly famous for the royal Bengal swamp tiger.
• Agriculture is the primary economic sector in West Bengal, with rice, potato, jute, sugarcane, and wheat being the major crops cultivated in the region.
• Digha and Mandarmani are popular beach destinations along the West Bengal coastline, known for their picturesque beauty and delectable seafood cuisine.

• Odisha, also known as coastal Odisha or the Utkal Plains, boasts a coastline stretching approximately 477 kilometers in length.
• Bounded by the Lower Ganges Plain in the north, the Bay of Bengal in the east, the Tamilnad Plains in the south, and the Eastern Ghats in the west, the region offers a diverse geographical landscape.
• The coastal plain of Odisha is referred to as the "hexadeltaic region," formed by the convergence of six rivers: Subarnarekha, Budhabalanga, Baitarani, Brahmani, Mahanadi, and Rushikulya.
• Notable natural features along the Odisha coastline include the Bhitarkanika Sanctuary, one of the largest mangrove forests outside the Sundarbans, and the Chilka Lake, which is the largest brackish water coastal lagoon in the subcontinent.
• Puri, Konark, and Chandipur are popular beach destinations in Odisha, renowned for their captivating natural beauty and rich cultural heritage.

• India is home to two major island groups, situated in the Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea respectively.
• The Bay of Bengal island groups comprise approximately 572 islands and islets.
• The entire group of islands is broadly categorized into two: the Andaman Islands in the north and the Nicobar Islands in the south.
• On the other hand, the islands of the Arabian Sea include Lakshadweep and Minicoy.

1. Andaman & Nicobar Islands
   • The Andaman & Nicobar Islands are located approximately between 6°N-14°N.
   • The coastline length for the Andaman & Nicobar Islands is approximately 1962 kilometers.
   • These islands are separated by a water body known as the Ten-degree channel.
   • The region experiences convectional rainfall and features an equatorial type of vegetation.
   • It is believed that these islands are an elevated portion of submarine mountains.
   • Notably, the Barren Island of Little Andaman is the only active volcano in India. It is situated 135 km away from Port Blair in the Andaman Sea.The first recorded eruption of the volcano dates back to 1787. Since then, the volcano has erupted more than ten times, with the most recent one being in 2022.
2. Lakshadweep
   • The Lakshadweep Islands have a coastline spanning approximately 132 kilometers.
   • The Lakshadweep Islands are scattered between 8 to 12 degrees N
   • The entire island group is composed of coral deposits, contributing to its unique and picturesque landscape.
   • The islands are divided by the Eleventh-degree channel, with Amini Island located to the north and Cannanore Island situated to the south.
   • Among the islands, Minicoy is the largest, covering an area of 453 square kilometers. The Eight Degree Channel separates the islands of Minicoy and Maldives.
   • Agatti Island, Bangaram Island, and Kavaratti are renowned tourist destinations within the Lakshadweep Islands, celebrated for their natural beauty and offering a variety of water sports activities for visitors to enjoy.

• Hydrocarbons and minerals: Offshore areas harbor reserves of hydrocarbons such as oil and gas, along with minerals like salt, heavy minerals, limestone, and phosphates.
• Agriculture: Coastal regions support the cultivation of crops like coconut, cashew, rice, and various fruits and vegetables.
• Fisheries: India is a leading producer of fish globally, owing to the abundant marine life in its coastal waters.
• Emerging sectors: Seaweed cultivation, offshore wind farms, tidal energy converters, and ocean-to-freshwater plants are gaining traction.
• Tourism: India's coastline is adorned with beautiful beaches, landscapes, and historical sites, attracting tourists from around the world.
• Placer deposits: The continental shelves hold valuable minerals like titanium, zircon, and rare earth elements.
• Strategic Access Points: Coastlines provide key access points for military forces to deploy, monitor, and control maritime traffic, facilitating defense and security operations.
• Naval Bases and Operations: Coastal areas host naval bases and facilities crucial for naval operations, including patrols, surveillance, and response to maritime threats, enhancing a nation's military readiness and power projection capabilities.
• Economic and Trade Security: Protecting coastal regions ensures the security of vital ports and harbors, safeguarding maritime trade routes and economic activities, which are essential for a nation's prosperity and stability.

Cyclones:

• Coastal states, exemplified by Orissa, have invested in building cyclone shelters, essential for evacuations during cyclone emergencies.
• The National Cyclone Risk Mitigation Project (NCRMP) demonstrates the nation's commitment to strengthening cyclone preparedness along coastal regions. Initiatives like advanced warning systems utilizing Doppler and cyclone detection radars, coupled with disaster management strategies and evacuation protocols, aim to minimize the adverse effects of cyclones.

Floods:

• Coastal states such as West Bengal, Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu grapple with flood calamities during the monsoon period, owing to their vulnerable low-lying landscapes.
• While efforts are underway to establish early warning systems and foster community preparedness, initiatives like mangrove rehabilitation and the planting of shelterbelt species are advocated to mitigate the consequences of flooding.

Tsunami Preparedness:

• Post the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, The Indian Tsunami Early Warning Centre (ITEWC) in Hyderabad is renowned for its consistent issuance of timely alerts aimed at minimizing the impact of tsunamis.

Mangrove:

• The ongoing efforts to conserve and restore mangrove forests reflect a proactive approach in strengthening natural defenses against hazards. The introduction of the MISHTI SCHEME in the FY2023-24 budget reaffirms the nation's dedication to this endeavor.

From the serene backwaters of Kerala to the bustling ports of Gujarat, each stretch of coastline offers a unique blend of natural beauty and human endeavor. The coastal regions play a crucial role in supporting diverse ecosystems, sustaining livelihoods, and driving economic growth through sectors such as fishing, tourism, and maritime trade. As custodians of this invaluable resource, it is imperative for us to protect and preserve our coastline for future generations to cherish and benefit from.