NCERT Summary: Indian Coastal Plains | Geography for UPSC CSE PDF Download

Coastal Plains in India

The coastal area of India, spanning 7516.6 km, includes 6100 km of mainland coast and the coastal regions around Andaman, Nicobar, and Lakshadweep islands. This vast expanse touches 13 states and Union Territories, with the western coastal plains bordering the Arabian Sea and the eastern coastal plains lining the Bay of Bengal.

• India is a country surrounded by the sea on three of its sides. The coastal plains in India run along the west and east of the country, spanning a length of 7516.6 km. These coastal plains consist of two main types:
  • Eastern Coastal Plains of India
  • Western Coastal Plains of India

Eastern Coastal Plains of India

• The Eastern Coastal Plains of India extend from West Bengal in the north to Tamil Nadu in the south, passing through Andhra Pradesh and Odisha. This region is characterized by the presence of fertile river deltas, such as those of the Mahanadi, Krishna, Godavari, and Cauveri rivers.
• These river deltas are highly productive for agriculture. For instance, the delta of the River Krishna is often referred to as the 'Granary of South India' due to its high agricultural productivity.

Indian Coastal Plains

• Utkal Coast: Extends between Chilika Lake and Kolleru Lake, characterized by wide expanses and high rainfall. Crops grown include rice, coconut, and banana.
• Andhra Coast: Spans from Kolleru Lake to Pulicat Lake, serving as a basin for the Krishna and Godavari rivers.
• Coromandel Coast: Stretches from Pulicat Lake to Kanyakumari, experiencing dry summers and rainy winters due to the northeast monsoons.

Western Coastal Plains of India

• The Western Coastal Plains run from Kerala in the south to Gujarat in the north, passing through Karnataka, Goa, and Maharashtra. This coastal stretch spans 1500 km north to south, with a width varying from 10 to 25 km. 
• The West Continental Shelf is widest off the Bombay coast and is known for its oil reserves. The Malabar Coast boasts picturesque lagoons, attracting tourists. Compared to the eastern coast, the western coast is narrower.

Coasts of India

• Kachchh and Kathiawar coast: The Kachchh coast, previously a gulf, was formed by the sedimentation of silt from the Indus River. During monsoons, the area is inundated with shallow water, comprising the Great Rann in the north and the Little Rann in the east. Kathiawar, located to the south of Kachchh, is an adjacent region.
• Konkan coast: Stretching from Daman in the north to Goa in the south, the Konkan coast is known for cultivating rice and cashew, which are pivotal crops in this area.
• Kanada coast: This coastal stretch between Marmagaon and Mangalore is renowned for its abundant iron deposits.
• Malabar coast: Extending from Mangalore to Kanyakumari, the Malabar coast features a considerable width. Additionally, this region includes lagoons that run parallel to the shoreline in southern Kerala.

Significance of Indian Coastlines

• The Indian coastlines span approximately 7516.6 km, encompassing territories like Andaman and Nicobar Islands and Lakshadweep. This vast stretch of coastlines contributes to a moderate and favorable climate, conducive to human habitation and development.
• These coastal regions boast fertile soils, ideal for agriculture, with rice being a predominant crop grown in these areas.
• The presence of both major and minor ports along the Indian coast facilitates trade activities, promoting economic growth and connectivity.
• The sedimentary rocks found in these coastal plains harbor significant reserves of mineral oil, offering potential for marine-based economic activities.
• Fishing emerges as a vital occupation for communities residing in coastal areas, contributing to livelihoods and local economies.
• India's coastal plains are biodiversity-rich, featuring diverse ecosystems such as mangroves, coral reefs, estuaries, and lagoons. These natural assets also present lucrative opportunities for tourism development.