Coastal plains, sprawling expanses of low-lying land adjacent to oceans or seas, exhibit a unique blend of geological, ecological, and cultural significance. Characterized by their gentle slopes and proximity to bodies of water, coastal plains represent vital interfaces between terrestrial and marine environments, offering diverse ecosystems and supporting a multitude of life forms. From the sandy shores of the Gulf Coast to the marshy deltas of river mouths, these plains serve as dynamic landscapes shaped by natural forces such as tides, currents, and erosion. Their significance extends beyond their scenic beauty, encompassing economic activities, biodiversity conservation, and human settlement. Understanding the features and functions of coastal plains is crucial for environmental management, sustainable development, and safeguarding against the impacts of climate change.
- Stretching over 7516.6 kilometres, the Indian coastline encompasses 6100 kilometres of mainland shorelines and the islands of Andaman, Nicobar, and Lakshadweep.
- Comprising 13 states and union territories, the coastal geography is characterized by the western coastal lowlands bordering the Arabian Sea and the eastern coastal plains running parallel to the Bay of Bengal.
The Peninsular plateau is flanked by narrow coastal strips that stretch along the west, bordering the Arabian Sea, and the east, along the Bay of Bengal.
India’s coastal plains, with a combined length of 7516.6 km, are categorized into two distinct regions:
- Eastern Coastal Plains of India
- Western Coastal Plains of India
WESTERN COASTAL PLAIN
- The Western Coastal Plains extend from Kerala in the south to Gujarat in the north, passing through Karnataka, Goa, and Maharashtra.Â
- Spanning approximately 1500 kilometers from north to south, these plains exhibit varying widths ranging from 10 to 25 kilometers.Â
- The West Continental Shelf reaches its maximum breadth near the coast of Bombay, where the region is abundant in oil resources.
- Noteworthy features of the Western Coastal Plains include picturesque lagoons along the Malabar Coast, making it a sought-after tourist destination.Â
- In comparison to the eastern coast, the western shore is narrower. The western coast is further divided into four distinct sections:
Kachchh and Kathiawar Coast:
- Formed by the deposition of silt carried by the Indus, the coasts of Kachchh and Kathiawar feature unique landscapes.
- During monsoons, Kachchh experiences shallow flooding, dividing the land into the Great Rann in the north and the Little Rann in the east.
- The Kutch Peninsula, once an island surrounded by oceans and lagoons, was filled with material transported by the Indus River over time.
- Recent lack of rainfall has led to a parched and semi-desert environment in Kachchh.
Konkan Coast:
- Stretching from Daman in the north to Goa in the south, the Konkan coast is known for its cultivation of rice and cashew.
- This region boasts a diverse agricultural landscape and a scenic coastal stretch.
Kanada Coast:
- Extending from Madgaon to Mangalore, the Kanada coast is abundant in iron resources.
- The narrow plain, with an average width of 30-50 kilometers (maximum 70 kilometers near Mangalore), is characterized by streams originating in the Western Ghats, forming waterfalls in certain areas.
Malabar Coast:
- Stretching from Mangalore to Kanyakumari, the Malabar coast is extensive and features lagoons running parallel to the shore in southern Kerala.
- Notable features include ‘Kayals’ (backwaters) that serve various purposes such as fishing, interior navigation, and tourism.
- The Malabar coast exhibits distinct characteristics, contributing to its significance in the regional landscape.
EASTERN COASTAL PLAIN
- The Eastern Coastal Plains span from West Bengal in the north to Tamil Nadu in the south, traversing Andhra Pradesh and Odisha.
- Distinguished by the deltas of major rivers like Mahanadi, Krishna, Godavari, and Cauvery, these plains are agriculturally vibrant, characterized by exceptionally fertile and productive soils.
- The Krishna River delta, renowned as the “Granary of South India,” exemplifies the agricultural prosperity supported by these deltas.
The eastern shore is categorized into three distinct sections:
Utkal Coast:
- Extending from Chilika Lake to Kolleru Lake, the Utkal coast is notably wider than the western coastal plains, receiving substantial rainfall.
- Cultivation of crops such as rice, coconut, and banana thrives in this region.
- The Mahanadi delta is a significant part of the Utkal coast, with Chilka Lake standing out as a prominent physiographic feature.
Andhra Coast:
- Stretching from Kolleru Lake to Pulicat Lake, the Andhra coast serves as a basin for the Krishna and Godavari rivers.
- South of the Utkal Plain, this area extends up to Pulicat Lake, with Sriharikota Island forming a natural barrier to the lake.
- The Andhra coast, except for Visakhapatnam and Machilipatnam, features a straight shoreline and a limited number of excellent harbors.
Coromandel Coast:
- Extending from Pulicat Lake to Kanyakumari in Tamil Nadu, the Coromandel coast experiences dry conditions in the summer and receives rainfall during the winter, influenced by the northeast monsoons.
- The most notable feature of the Coromandel coast is the Cauvery delta, spanning 130 kilometers in width.
- The Cauvery delta, known for its fertile lands and extensive irrigation systems, has earned the reputation of being the “granary of South India.”
- The Eastern Coastal Plains, with their rich agricultural practices and diverse physiographic features, play a crucial role in India’s economic and agricultural landscape.
- India boasts a coastline that spans approximately 7516.6 kilometers, encompassing the island groups of Andaman & Nicobar and Lakshadweep.Â
- The coastal regions benefit from a favorable environment characterized by moderate temperatures, making them conducive to human habitation and growth.
The coastal plains of India are predominantly covered by fertile soils, creating an ideal setting for agriculture. Among the crops cultivated, rice holds significant importance as a staple food in these regions. The expanse of the Indian coasts is dotted with both large and small ports, facilitating robust commercial activities.
Notably, the sedimentary rocks found in these coastal plains are reported to harbor substantial reserves of mineral oil, presenting opportunities for marine-based economic activities. Fishing has emerged as a vital occupation for communities residing along the coast, contributing to the livelihoods of many.
Beyond economic activities, the coastal plains of India are rich in diverse coastal and marine ecosystems. Mangroves, coral reefs, estuaries, and lagoons are among the varied habitats that flourish along the coasts. This ecological diversity not only supports marine life but also provides excellent opportunities for tourism. The scenic beauty and biodiversity of these coastal areas attract visitors, contributing to the tourism sector and offering recreational experiences for enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.
FAQs – Indian Coastal Plains and Peninsular Plateau:
1. How long is the Indian coastline, and what does it include?
A: The Indian coastline stretches approximately 7516.6 kilometers, encompassing mainland shorelines and islands such as Andaman, Nicobar, and Lakshadweep.
2. What are the two main categories of India’s coastal plains?
A: India’s coastal plains are divided into the Eastern Coastal Plains and Western Coastal Plains.
3. Describe the Western Coastal Plains, including notable features.
A: The Western Coastal Plains extend from Kerala to Gujarat, covering Karnataka, Goa, and Maharashtra. Features include oil-rich regions, picturesque lagoons, and distinct sections like Kachchh and Kathiawar, Konkan, Kanada, and Malabar.
4. What are the distinct sections of the Western Coastal Plains?
A: The Western Coastal Plains are divided into Kachchh and Kathiawar, Konkan, Kanada, and Malabar coasts.
5. Highlight the characteristics of the Malabar Coast.
A: The Malabar Coast, stretching from Mangalore to Kanyakumari, features extensive lagoons, including ‘Kayals’ (backwaters) used for fishing, navigation, and tourism.
6. Explain the Eastern Coastal Plains and its significant deltas.
A: The Eastern Coastal Plains span from West Bengal to Tamil Nadu, hosting major river deltas like Mahanadi, Krishna, Godavari, and Cauvery. These deltas are highly fertile, with the Krishna River delta known as the “Granary of South India.”
7. What are the distinct sections of the Eastern Coastal Plains?
A: The Eastern Coastal Plains are divided into the Utkal Coast, Andhra Coast, and Coromandel Coast.
8. What is the agricultural significance of the Cauvery delta in the Coromandel Coast?
A: The Cauvery delta, part of the Coromandel Coast, is renowned as the “granary of South India” due to its fertile lands and extensive irrigation systems.
9. How is the Peninsular Plateau shaped geologically?
A: The Peninsular Plateau is a flat elevated landmass composed of ancient crystalline, igneous, and metamorphic rocks. It originated from the fragmentation and movement of the Gondwana continent.
10. What are the key characteristics of the Central Highlands within the Peninsular Plateau?
A: The Central Highlands feature a sloping terrain, rounded sandstone hills, and tributaries like Chambal, Kali Sindh, Banas, Parwan, and Parbati rivers.
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