Geotubing technology used in Poonthura, Kerala, has shown great promise in controlling coastal erosion

Geo-Tubing Innovation for Shoreline Erosion

Geotubes are sizable fabric bags filled with sand or slurry, positioned thoughtfully along the coastline. They function as wave barriers, reducing the impact of approaching waves and safeguarding against shoreline erosion. The geotube system with multiple layers guarantees enduring stability, even during vigorous sea activity.

Coastal Erosion in India

India's coastline is undergoing significant erosion, with 33.6% of its shore identified as at risk.

The coast of the Indian mainland comprises 9 coastal states and 2 Union Territories (UTs), totaling 66 coastal districts.

Coastal Morphology:

It is made up of 43% sandy beach, 11% rocky shoreline, 36% muddy flats, 10% marshy coast, 97 significant estuaries, and 34 lagoons.

The National Centre for Coastal Research (NCCR), part of the Ministry of Earth Sciences, has been tracking shoreline alterations since 1990 through remote sensing and GIS mapping methods. As per the NCCR:

33.6% of India's shoreline is undergoing erosion, affecting coastal communities and facilities.

26.9% of the coastline is undergoing accretion, indicating that land is increasing because of sediment accumulation.

39.6% of the coastline is stable, exhibiting slight variations in the position of the shoreline.

West Bengal (60.5%), Kerala (46.4%), and Tamil Nadu (42.7%) rank as some of the most impacted Indian states.

Factors Leading to Coastal Erosion

Climate Change and Rising Sea Levels: Melting ice caps and thermal expansion lead to increased sea levels, exacerbating coastal erosion.

Severe Weather Events: Hurricanes, flood tides, and seasonal changes speed up the recession of coastlines.

Human Actions: Unmanaged coastal expansion, sand extraction, and harbor building interfere with natural sediment movement.

Destruction of Natural Barriers: The clearing of mangroves and the degradation of coral reefs diminish coastal strength against erosion.

Government Actions and Prevention Strategies

Integrated Coastal Zone Management Project (ICZMP): This is a World Bank-supported initiative designed to safeguard and preserve coastal and marine ecosystems via sustainable methods, carried out in Gujarat, Odisha, and West Bengal.

Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) Notification (2019): Its purpose is to safeguard and conserve coastal areas, providing livelihood stability for fishers and local populations while allowing for erosion management techniques.

It designates No Development Zones (NDZ) in different types of coastal regions to safeguard India’s shoreline from encroachment and erosion.

It encompasses the Shoreline Management Plan as well as the Coastal Zone Management Plan.

Coastal Vulnerability Index (CVI): The Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS) created the CVI to evaluate and chart the vulnerability of diverse coastal areas using multiple criteria.

Shoreline Safeguarding Strategies: The National Evaluation of Shoreline Modifications offers guidelines for erosion management.

15th Finance Commission Distribution: ₹2,500 crore set aside for the resettlement of displaced populations and for measures to mitigate erosion.

Creative Engineering Solutions

Geo-Tube Deployment: In locations such as Pentha Village in Odisha, and more recently in Poonthura, Kerala, geo-tubes have been set up to form artificial barriers that safeguard the coastline from erosion.

Artificial Reefs: Building artificial reefs can reduce wave energy and safeguard the coastline.

Sustainable Breakwaters: Utilizing materials that harmonize with the natural surroundings can offer efficient protection while preserving marine ecosystems.

Mangrove and Shelterbelt Plantations: Establishing mangroves and additional flora along the coast aids in reinforcing the shoreline and mitigating the effects of waves and storm surges.