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

Model Answer: 

India’s Long Coastline and its Resource Potentials

India’s extensive coastline, stretching over 7,500 kilometers, offers immense resource potential while simultaneously presenting significant challenges in terms of natural hazard preparedness. This answer will explore both aspects, highlighting the economic opportunities and the measures taken to safeguard coastal communities.

Resource Potentials of India’s Long Coastline

1. Fisheries and Aquaculture: India’s coastal waters support a thriving fishing industry, contributing significantly to food security and export earnings. The potential for sustainable aquaculture development remains largely untapped.

2. Maritime Trade: The coastline hosts 12 major and 200 minor ports, facilitating 95% of India’s trade by volume. Ongoing port modernization projects aim to enhance capacity and efficiency.

3. Energy Resources:
a) Offshore Oil and Gas: The coastal regions, particularly the Krishna-Godavari and Mumbai High basins, are rich in hydrocarbon reserves.
b) Renewable Energy: The coast offers substantial potential for tidal, wave, and offshore wind energy production, aligning with India’s clean energy goals.

4. Tourism: Coastal tourism, including beach resorts, water sports, and cultural heritage sites, contributes significantly to local economies and national GDP.

5. Mineral Resources: The coastal sands contain valuable heavy minerals like ilmenite, rutile, and zircon, offering opportunities for the mining sector.

Status of Natural Hazard Preparedness

India’s coastline is vulnerable to various natural hazards, including cyclones, tsunamis, sea-level rise, and coastal erosion. The status of preparedness includes:

1. Early Warning Systems: The Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS) has established a state-of-the-art tsunami warning system. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) provides cyclone warnings with increasing accuracy.

2. Coastal Zone Management: The implementation of Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) norms aims to balance development with environmental protection. However, enforcement remains a challenge in many areas.

3. Infrastructure Development:
a) Cyclone shelters and evacuation routes have been constructed in vulnerable areas, particularly in states like Odisha and Andhra Pradesh.
b) Sea walls and beach nourishment projects are underway to combat coastal erosion.

4. Community Preparedness: Initiatives like mock drills, awareness campaigns, and the involvement of local communities in disaster management have improved response capabilities.

5. National Disaster Response Force (NDRF): Specialized units are stationed in coastal areas for rapid deployment during emergencies.

While significant progress has been made in hazard preparedness, challenges persist. These include the need for more localized early warning systems, improved coordination between agencies, and addressing the long-term impacts of climate change on coastal communities.