Coast

Coast is the land adjoining sea . Coastal zone refers to strip of land that has marine influence . Width of coastal zone is location specific , highly variable with time and depends on management objectives. Boundaries could also  vary depending on the activities.

Indian Coastline 

Indian coastal zone comprises of  east and west coasts of the mainland and three group of islands , the Lakshadeep in the southern arabian sea and Andaman and nicobar island groups in the eastern bay of bengal . West coast is generally exposed with heavy surf and rocky shores and  headlandsss . the east coast is generally shelving with beaches, lagoons , deltas and marshes . 

Characteristics of Coastal Environments

Important interface between land and water

Most heterogenous and complex

Highly dynamic and unsteady with many cyclic and rendom processes

Variety of resources, habitats and rich in biodiversity

Most productive  ecosystem on earth 

Important zones of biogeochemical activities

Intensively exploited , highly developed and densely populated

Coastal Environmental Degradation

The coastal environment is facing degradation due to following factors

 1. Population pressure

 2. Indiscriminate and uncontrolled exploitation ( poverty and lack of livelihood securities ) 

 3. Lack of knowledge and understanding f economic contributions of natural resources

4. Conflicting uses and unsustainable developments

 5. Lack of implementation of regulations

Prohibited activities in coastal areas

As per the EPA 1986 , Coastal Regulation Zone  Notification 1991 the folloowing activities are banned

1. Setting up and expansion of new  industries. Fish processing units except those which require water front.

2. Manufacture or handling or storage of disposal of hazardous substances and discharge of untreated waste and effuents from industries. cities or towns and other human settlements.

Coastal Zone Management

Coastal  zone management is a continuous and dynamic process that unites government and the community, science and management sectoral and public interests in preparing and implementing an integrated plan for the protection and development of coastal systems and resources.