Comment on the resource potentials of the long coastline of India and Highlight the status of natural hazard preparedness in these areas. [250 words][15 Marks][2023]

India’s Long Coastline: (~7,516 km)
Resource Potentials:

  1. Fisheries:
    • Supports ~4 million livelihoods.
    • EEZ of 2.02 million sq km – rich in tuna, sardines, etc.
  2. Ports & Trade:
    • 13 major & ~200 minor ports – handle 95% of India’s trade by volume.
  3. Tourism:
    • Goa, Kerala, Odisha – ecotourism, beach tourism.
  4. Minerals & Energy:
    • Offshore oil (Mumbai High), gas (KG Basin), placer minerals (Tamil Nadu coasts).
    • Wind & tidal energy potential.
  5. Aquaculture & Salt Production:
    • Gujarat – India’s leading salt producer.

Natural Hazard Preparedness:

  1. Hazards:
    • Cyclones, coastal erosion, tsunamis, floods.
  2. Preparedness Status:
    • IMD’s early warning system, Doppler radars.
    • NDMA & State DMAs conduct drills.
    • Coastal Zone Management Plans (CZMPs).
    • Cyclone shelters (e.g., Odisha model after 1999 super cyclone).
    • Challenges: Encroachment, poor urban planning, mangrove loss.

Conclusion:
India’s coastline is resource-rich yet vulnerable. Sustainable coastal development & integrated disaster management are crucial.