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India’s coastline, stretching over 7,500 kilometers, is a hub of cultural vibrancy, economic activity, and biodiversity.

About Sea Level Rise

SLR is the rise in the level of the world's oceans due to the effects of climate change, especially global warming, caused by three primary factors: thermal expansion, melting of glaciers, and loss of the Greenland and Antarctic ice sheets. Sea level is primarily measured using tide stations and satellite laser altimeters.

Causes of Sea Level Rise

Impact on India

• Urban Areas: Major cities like Mumbai, Chennai, and Kolkata face flooding, infrastructural damage, and freshwater contamination.
• Coastal Livelihoods: Fishing, agriculture, and tourism are at risk due to habitat destruction, salinity intrusion, and reduced fish stocks, threatening food security and livelihoods.
  • • Case Study: Satabhaya village in Odisha faced severe erosion, forcing 571 households to relocate.
• Biodiversity: Mangroves, coral reefs, and wetlands are under threat. For example, the Sundarbans mangroves may lose 80% of their area by 2100, exposing communities to cyclones and floods. Coral reef destruction could disrupt marine ecosystems and food chains.

Policy Measures and Gaps

• Coastal Erosion Protection and Control in India: The Central Water Commission has published guidelines in 2020 to provide preliminary design parameters of suitable coastal protection works for various stretches of coast.
• Coastal Vulnerability Index (CVI): The Indian National Center for Ocean Information Services has estimated the CVI for the Indian coast.
• Which is the cumulative impact of seven coastal parameters viz. rate of coastal change, rate of sea level change, coastal elevation, coastal slope, coastal geomorphology, significant wave height and tidal range.
• National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF): Under the 15th Finance Commission, the revival and reconstruction of NDRF for Rs. 1,000 million crowns are earmarked for the resettlement of displaced people affected by erosion.
• Coastal Regulatory Zone Notification, 2019: Notified by the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change to preserve and protect coastal stretches, marine areas and ensure livelihood security for fishermen and other local communities.
• Mangrove Initiative for Coastal Habitat and Material Income (MISHTI): The plan is to comprehensively explore the development of mangrove forests covering an area of ​​540 km2 in 11 states and 2 union territories over the next 5 years, starting from the fiscal year 2023-24.
• Shelterbelt plantations: Firmly planted rows of trees on the coast play a major role in preventing coastal marine erosion. For example, in the coastal district of Ramanathapura.

Mitigation and Adaptation Strategies

• Natural Barriers: Restoring mangroves and wetlands reduces wave energy and prevents soil erosion.
• Infrastructure and Technology:
  • • Build sea walls and improve early warning systems.
    • Explore innovative solutions like floating agriculture and salt-resistant crops.
• Community Engagement: Empowering coastal populations through education and participation ensures equitable and practical adaptation plans.
• International Cooperation: India must leverage global climate agreements, such as the UNFCCC, to secure financial and technical support from developed nations.

Conclusion

Rising sea levels pose an urgent threat to India’s coastal regions, impacting livelihoods, ecosystems, and infrastructure. Tackling this crisis requires coordinated efforts across local, national, and international levels. Sustainable development and proactive adaptation measures can protect coastal populations and ensure resilience for future generations. The time to act is now to safeguard India’s coastline and its legacy.

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Sea Level Rise

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