Coastal States of India, Features, Differences, Geomorphology

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.

Western Coastal States 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. It is roughly divided into Kachchh and Kathiawar Coast, Konkan Coast, Malabar Coast.

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).

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:

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)

1. Monazite is a source of rare earths.
2. Monazite contains thorium.
3. Monazite occurs naturally in the entire Indian coastal sands in India.
4. 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)

1. The Barren Island volcano is an active volcano located in the Indian territory.
2. Barren Island lies about 140 km east of Great Nicobar.
3. 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)