Western Coastal Plains in India is known for its submerged nature and development of ports and harbors. These coastal plains run parallel to the Arabian Sea coastline, stretching from Gujarat in the north to Kerala in the south. The region is characterized by its unique topography, which includes estuaries, deltas, lagoons, and backwaters. Let's explore the reasons why the Western Coastal Plains are renowned for their submerged nature and the development of ports and harbors.

Submerged Nature:
The Western Coastal Plains are submerged in nature due to several factors:

1. Rivers and their deltas: The region is intersected by numerous rivers, including the Narmada, Tapi, Krishna, Godavari, and Kaveri. These rivers deposit sediments and form extensive deltas, causing the land to be submerged.

2. Erosion and sediment deposition: The action of waves, tides, and currents along the coast leads to erosion of the land. The eroded sediments are then deposited in the form of beaches, sandbars, and spits, further submerging the coastal areas.

3. Mangrove forests: The Western Coastal Plains are home to extensive mangrove forests. These unique ecosystems thrive in the intertidal zones, where land and water meet. The presence of mangroves contributes to the submerged nature of the region.

Development of Ports and Harbors:
The Western Coastal Plains have witnessed significant development of ports and harbors due to the following reasons:

1. Strategic location: The plains provide a strategic location for maritime trade due to their proximity to the Arabian Sea. This has encouraged the establishment of ports and harbors along the coastline.

2. Natural harbors: The region is blessed with many natural harbors, such as Mumbai, Kochi, Mangalore, and Kandla. These natural formations provide sheltered areas for docking ships and facilitate maritime trade.

3. Connectivity: The Western Coastal Plains are well-connected to the hinterland through rivers and road networks. This connectivity ensures efficient transportation of goods to and from the ports and harbors, making them economically viable.

4. Economic importance: The ports and harbors along the Western Coastal Plains play a crucial role in facilitating international trade. They serve as gateways for imports and exports, attracting industries and contributing to the economic growth of the region.

In conclusion, the Western Coastal Plains in India are renowned for their submerged nature and the development of ports and harbors. The unique topography, presence of rivers and deltas, erosion and sediment deposition, and strategic location have contributed to the submerged nature of the region. Simultaneously, the natural harbors, connectivity, and economic importance have led to the development of ports and harbors along the coastline.