Question.
Comment on the resource potentials of the long coastline of India and highlight the status of natural Hazard preparedness in these areas.
(UPSC 2023 General Studies Paper 1 (Main) Exam, Answer in 150 words)
Answer.
India's long coastline, stretching over 7516 kilometers, provides abundance and diverse natural resources for the development of India.
Resources potential of long coastal of India:
The following are resources potential of long coastal of India:
Food resources:
Coastal regions have rich potential for fisheries and seaweeds. Marine fish are cheap sources of proteins and have great potential for exports. Seaweeds are potential sources of food, bioenergy, and fertilizers.
Energy Resources:
Coastal regions along of coasts of Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, and Andhra Pradesh are rich in energy resources shale deposits, natural gas, and petroleum resources.
The whole coastline of India comes under tropical regions, that provide great potential for solar energy and offshore wind energy.
Tidal energy and wave energy are future energy sources that can be harnessed in the long coastline of India.
Minerals:
The Monazite sands of Kerala are rich in thorium.
Odisha's coast is rich in many minerals like iron ore and bauxite.
Biodiversity and tourism :
The long coastline of India encompasses various ecosystems, including mangroves, estuaries, and sandy beaches, contributing to tourism, biodiversity, and ecological balance.
Ports and trade:
Ports are considered the gateway of foreign trade and prosperity. The major ports of India like Mumbai, Kandala, Chennai, Paradip, and Kolkata facilitate international trade and contribute to the development of the region.
Natural Hazard on the Coastline of India:
Long coastlines of India are prone to natural hazards such as cyclones, tsunamis, coastal erosion, coastal floods, and sea level rises.
The status of natural Hazard preparedness in coastal regions:
Over the years, India has made progress in disaster management, including the establishment of early warning systems, cyclone shelters, and community awareness programs. Odisha's model for handling cyclones became the role model for the world.
The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and State Disaster Management Authority ( SDMA) play pivotal roles in coordinating preparedness and response efforts. It focuses on minimizing the impact of disasters through timely warnings, evacuation plans, and resilient infrastructure.
In summary, the Coastal region of India are resource potential and they are vital to the country's economic development. However, long coastlines are prone to many natural hazards also. To minimize the losses of natural hazards in coastal regions, better infrastructure, early warning systems, and community awareness are needed. We need to invest in technology, and infrastructure to enhance resilience and mitigate the impact of natural disasters.
You may like also:
ConversionConversion EmoticonEmoticon