Sample Answer
Introduction
As per data base compiled by the National Institute of Oceanography (NIO) in the year of 2005, around 33% of the Indian coastline is affected by varying degrees of erosion.
Body
Causes of coastal erosion:
- Natural:
- Cyclones, persistent low pressure, increased wave activity, sea-level rise etc
- Anthropogenic:
- Sand mining and dredging
- Construction of river dams upstream
- Destruction of mangroves
- Global warming induced mean sea level rise
Effects of Coastal erosion:
- These factors are leading to the following losses:
- sediment for coastal rebuilding
- valuable dynamic coastlines
- coastal resilience
- valuable natural habitats
- economic value and private property
- Unpredictable land change due to extreme storm events
- Increasing cost to society in terms of coastal protection measures.
Coastal management techniques:
- Hard engineering options (such as building sea walls and groynes)
- Soft engineering options (such as beach nourishment and managed retreat).
Coastal management through legal mechanisms like Eco Sensitive Zones, Coastal regulatory zones and creation of marine protected areas should be actively taken up by the governments.
Hard engineering is when expensive, man-made solutions to coastal erosion are constructed to protect the coast. They are effective; however, they do not blend in well with the natural environment. Whereas soft engineering involves working with nature to manage the impact of coastal erosion. It is often less expensive than hard engineering, though it is often less effective.
Conclusion
Coastal management through legal mechanisms like Eco Sensitive Zones, Coastal regulatory zones and creation of marine protected areas should be actively taken up by the governments.
