Coastal States of India, Features, Differences, Geomorphology

21-12-2024

11:31 AM

1 min read

Coastal States in India Features
Eastern Coastal States of India
Western Coastal States of India
The Islands of India
Coastal Regions in India Geomorphology
Coastal States of India UPSC PYQs
Coastal States of India FAQs

Prelims: Indian & World Geography – Physical, Social, Economic Geography of India & the World.

Mains: Salient features of the world’s physical geography, Distribution of key natural resources across the world

The coastal states of India include Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, West Bengal, Goa, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, and Odisha. The coastal union territories are Daman & Diu, Puducherry, Lakshadweep Islands, and Andaman & Nicobar Islands. India’s extensive coastline, measuring 7,516.6 km, includes 5,422 km of mainland coastline and 2,094 km belonging to island territories.

This coastline spans 9 states and 4 union territories, bordered by the Arabian Sea and Indian Ocean on the west and the Bay of Bengal on the east. Among the coastal states, Gujarat has the longest coastline, while Andaman & Nicobar Islands lead among union territories.

Coastal States in India Features

India's coastline is geographically diverse, featuring extensive coastal plains, sandy beaches, rocky shores, mangrove forests, and fertile deltas nourished by prominent rivers such as the Ganges, Brahmaputra, Godavari, Krishna, and Kaveri. It serves as a significant ecological zone supporting marine life, ecosystems and Economic activities like fishing, tourism, and port-based trade.

East Coast of India

The Eastern Coast is characterised by plains that are expansive and flat along the Bay of Bengal. Compared to the western coast, the eastern coastal plain is wider and is considered an emergent coast.

Divisions: The Northern Circar refers to the northern part of this coastline, while the southern section is known as the Coromandel Coast.
Delta: The eastern rivers, such as the Mahanadi, Godavari, Krishna, and Kaveri, create extensive deltas along the coastline.
Ports: Due to its emergent nature, the eastern coast has fewer ports and harbours in comparison to the western coast.
Continental shelf: It extends up to 500 kilometres, presenting challenges in the development of major ports and harbours.
Monazite, a mineral-rich in rare earth and thorium, is primarily found in Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Gujarat, and inland areas of Jharkhand, West Bengal, and Tamil Nadu.

West Coast of India

The Western Coastal Plains stretch from Gujarat in the north to Kerala in the south, passing through Maharashtra, Goa, and Karnataka. These plains are narrower and more rugged than the eastern plains. Key features:

This coastal region is a submerged coastal plain, which influences its geography.
The width of the plains narrows in the centre and widens towards the northern and southern ends.
Rivers flowing through this region do not form deltas, unlike other plains.
Due to submergence, the coast provides ideal natural conditions for developing ports and harbours.

Eastern Coastal States of India

The Eastern Coastal Plains stretch from West Bengal in the north to Tamil Nadu in the south, encompassing Odisha and Andhra Pradesh. These plains are wider and flatter than their western counterparts.

West Bengal	Rich in cultural heritage, history, and literature. Borders Bangladesh (2,217 km) and features a 158 km coastline in Purba Medinipur and South 24 Parganas. Sundarbans delta, the world's largest mangrove forest and home to Royal Bengal tigers. Key ports: Haldia Dock Complex, Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port, and Digha.
Odisha	Renowned for temples (Puri Jagannath, Konark Sun Temple), scenic beaches, and a 485-km coastline (Utkal Plains). Features Chilka Lake (India's largest) and Bhitarkanika mangroves (second-largest). Rich in history, with sites from the Kalinga kingdom. Key port: Paradip.
Andhra Pradesh	Located in southeastern India, known for cultural heritage and natural beauty. Features India’s third-longest coastline (972 km), including the Coromandel coast. Fertile deltas of Godavari, Krishna, and Penna Rivers support agriculture, with rice, pulses, and coconuts as major crops. Key Ports: Bhavanapadu, Kakinada, Machilipatnam, Krishnapatnam, and Gangavaram.
Tamil Nadu	Southeastern coastal state with a 1,076 km coastline (second-longest in India). Fertile regions produce rice, legumes, sugarcane, and coconuts. Attractions: Marina Beach (India’s largest natural urban beach) and Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park. Key ports: Chennai Port, Kamarajar Port

Western Coastal States of India

Gujarat	Economically significant for textile, diamond-cutting industries, and commercial hubs. Features India's longest coastline (1,600 km, Kathiawar region), with biodiversity-rich Gulfs of Kutch and Khambhat. Tourist attractions: Diu, Dwarka, and Porbandar beaches. Key ports: Kandla, Mundra, Navlakhi, Pipavav, and Porbandar
Maharashtra	Located on India’s western coast, bordered by the Western Ghats, Arabian Sea, Daman Ganga (north), and Gangavalli (south). Features a 720-km Konkan coastline with popular beaches like Juhu, Marine Drive, and Alibaug. Rich in mangrove forests near Thane Creek and Malvan. Key crops include rice, millet, lentils, and coconuts. Key ports: JNPT and Mumbai Port.
Goa	India’s smallest coastal state, with Panaji as the capital, known for Portuguese heritage. 131 km coastline along the Arabian Sea, featuring bays, headlands, and estuaries from the Mandovi and Zuari Rivers. Soil is rich in ferric-aluminium oxides, with alluvial and loamy riverbanks. Key port: Mormugao.
Karnataka	Coastline: 300 km coastline in districts like Uttara Kannada, Udupi, and Dakshina Kannada, featuring rocky cliffs, palm-lined beaches, and historic ports like Mangalore and Karwar. Gokarna and Udupi are key beach destinations known for natural beauty and cultural significance. Surrounded by the Konkan Coast, Western Ghats, and Arabian Sea. Key port: New Mangalore Port.
Kerala	Coastline 590 km Known for backwaters, palm-fringed beaches, and lush greenery, Kerala attracts tourists and nature lovers. Popular destinations: Kovalam, Varkala, and Alleppey, famous for scenic beauty and houseboat cruises. Features kayals (brackish lagoons) and hosts the Nehru Trophy boat race in Punnamada Kayal. Famous for landscapes, tea and coffee plantations, blending natural beauty with cultural heritage. Key ports: Azheekal, Beypore, Ponnani, Alappuzha, and Kollam.

The Islands of India

India is home to two major island groups, situated in the Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea, which add significant strategic and ecological value to the country. Key island groups:

Bay of Bengal Islands: This group consists of around 572 islands and islets.
Arabian Sea Islands: These include the Lakshadweep Islands and Minicoy.
Classification of islands: India’s islands are broadly divided into Andaman & Nicobar Islands (Bay of Bengal) and Lakshadweep Islands (Arabian Sea).

Andaman & Nicobar Islands

Located between 6°N and 14°N, with a coastline of 1,962 km.
Divided by the Ten-Degree Channel, separating the Andaman (north) and Nicobar (south) Islands.
Ecologically rich, with convectional rainfall and dense equatorial vegetation.
Uplifted parts of submarine mountain ranges.
Hosts the Tri-Service Command, enhancing India's defence.
Known for pristine beaches, coral reefs, and biodiversity, ideal for ecotourism and adventure tourism.

Lakshadweep Islands

The islands span 132 km of coastline between 8°N and 12°N.
Composed of coral deposits, they feature unique marine ecosystems.
Divided by the Eleventh-Degree Channel, with Amini Island in the north and Cannanore Island in the south.
Largest island: Minicoy Island (453 km²), separated from the Maldives by the Eight-Degree Channel.
Popular destinations: Agatti, Bangaram, and Kavaratti Islands, known for natural beauty and water sports.

Coastal Regions in India Geomorphology

The coastal regions of India exhibit diverse geomorphological features influenced by a combination of geographical, geological, and climatic factors. These characteristics vary significantly between the eastern and western coasts of India.

Physiography of the Indian Coastline (Mainland): The physiography of India’s mainland coastline comprises various geomorphic features: Sandy Beaches: 43%, Muddy Flats: 36%, Rocky Coasts: 11%, Marshy Coasts: 10%.
Additionally, 1821.7 kilometres (33.6%) of the mainland coastline is currently affected by erosion.
Coastal Statistics:
Total Length of Coastline: 7,516.60 km
Total Land Area: 3,287,263 km2.
Continental Shelf Area: 372,424 km2.
Territorial Sea Area (up to 12 nautical miles): 193,834 km2
Population in Coastal States and Union Territories: Approximately 560 million.

Difference Between Eastern and Western Coastal States of India

The coastal states of India are divided into two regions: the Eastern Coastal States along the Bay of Bengal and the Western Coastal States along the Arabian Sea. Following is the comparison highlighting their distinctions:

Feature	Eastern Coastal States	Western Coastal States
Location	Along the Bay of Bengal	Along the Arabian Sea
Characteristics	Longer coastline with broader plains	Shorter coastline with narrower plains
Major rivers inflow	Ganges, Brahmaputra, Mahanadi, Godavari, Krishna	Narmada, Tapti, Mandovi, Zuari, Godavari
Delta	Prominent deltas	Less prominent deltas
Climatic influence	Dominated by the Bay of Bengal	Regulated by the Arabian Sea and Western Ghats
Biodiversity	Includes Sundarbans mangrove forests and diverse flora and fauna	Features the Western Ghats biodiversity hotspot with rich ecosystems

Coastal States of India UPSC PYQs

Question 1: Comment on the resource potentials of the long coastlines of India and highlight the status of natural hazard preparedness in these areas. (UPSC Mains 2023)

Question 2: With reference to India, consider the following statements: (UPSC Prelims 2022)

Monazite is a source of rare earths.
Monazite contains thorium.
Monazite occurs naturally in the entire Indian coastal sands in India.
In India, Government bodies only can process or export monazite.

Which of the statements given above are correct?
(a) 1, 2, and 3 only
(b) 1, 2, and 4 only
(c) 3 and 4 only
(d) 1, 2, 3, and 4

Answer: (b)

Question 3: Consider the following statements: (UPSC Prelims 2018)

The Barren Island volcano is an active volcano located in the Indian territory.
Barren Island lies about 140 km east of Great Nicobar.
The last time the Barren Island volcano erupted was in 1991, and it has remained inactive since then.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3
(c) 3 only
(d) 1 and 3

Answer: (a)

Question 4: Which one of the following pairs of islands is separated from each other by the 'Ten Degree Channel'? (UPSC Prelims 2014)
(a) Andaman and Nicobar
(b) Nicobar and Sumatra
(c) Maldives and Lakshadweep
(d) Sumatra and Java

Answer: (a)

Coastal States of India FAQs

Q1. What are the 9 coastal states of India?

Ans: The nine coastal states are Gujarat, Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, and West Bengal.

Q2. What are the 4 coasts of India?

Ans: The 4 coasts of India are the Malabar Coast (southwest), Konkan Coast (west), Coromandel Coast (southeast), and Northern Circars (eastern Andhra Pradesh).

Q3. Which is the largest coastal state in India?

Ans: Gujarat has the longest coastline in India, stretching approximately 1,600 km along the Arabian Sea.

Q4. How many states have coastlines?

Ans: India has 9 coastal states with direct access to the sea and 2 Union Territories, Andaman & Nicobar Islands and Lakshadweep.

Q5. Which state has the smallest coastline in India?

Ans: Goa has the smallest coastline in India, measuring around 160 km.