Question.
Can you find out the reasons for the variations in the location of ports along the western and eastern coasts?
(NCERT class 12 geography, India People and Economy, Chapter-11: International Trade)
Answer.
Most of the international trade in India is done by sea and air routes. Ports are the gateways for international trade. At present, there are 12 major ports and about 200 minor ports in India.
The west coast of India has more ports than the east coast of India, the reasons for the variation in the location of the western and eastern coasts are as follows:
Colonial Past:
The arrival of European traders and the colonization of the country by the British changed the size and quality of ports in India.
The western port was more developed because the British needed more than the eastern port.
Geographical Factors:
The western coast of India is formed due to the submergence of land and it is the indented shore (toothed coast) resulting in deep water on the coast, which is best suited for a natural harbor.
In contrast, the east coast is formed due to the emergence of landmass resulting in shallow water on the coast and naturally, they are not suited for large cargo.
Due to geographical factors, it is easier and cheaper to build ports on the west coast than on the east coast, so the western ports in India are more developed than on the east coast.
Economic factors:
West coast states like Gujarat, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Goa, and Kerala are more developed and they export more goods to the international market hence the demand for ports on the west coast is high.
In contrast, the eastern coastal states such as West Bengal, Odisha, and Andhra Pradesh do not export many commodities, but they do export and import minerals from the east coast.
You may like also:
ConversionConversion EmoticonEmoticon