The coastal plains of India are a fascinating geographical feature that stretch along both the western and eastern coasts of the Indian peninsula. Rivers flowing into the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal have deposited alluvium over millions of years, forming these plains.
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Geographical Overview:
- The Coastal Plains of India refers to the narrow coastal strips that lie between the edges of the Peninsular Plateau and the coastline. They constitute one of the five physiographic divisions of India.
- These plains stretch for approximately 6,000 kilometers along two major coastlines:
- Western Coastal Plains: Along the Arabian Sea in the west.
- Eastern Coastal Plains: Along the Bay of Bengal in the east.
The Western Coastal Plains:
- Sandwiched between the Arabian Sea and the Western Ghats, the western coastal plain is relatively narrow.
- It comprises three distinct sections:
- Konkan: Located in the northern part (including Mumbai and Goa).
- Kannad Plain: Forms the central stretch.
- Malabar Coast: Known as the southern stretch.
- Location: The Western Coastal Plains stretch along the western coast of India, running parallel to the Arabian Sea. They extend from the Gujarat-Maharashtra border in the north to the southern tip of the Indian peninsula in Kerala.
- Features: The Western Coastal Plains are narrower in the north but widen towards the south. Fertile alluvial soil, lush vegetation, and numerous rivers flowing westward towards the Arabian Sea characterize these plains.
- Major Cities: Key cities along the western coast include Mumbai (Maharashtra), Goa, Mangalore (Karnataka), and Kochi (Kerala).
- Economy: The region supports agriculture (mainly rice, coconut, and cashew cultivation), fishing, tourism, and port-based industries.
- Rivers: Major rivers flowing through the western coastal plains include the Narmada, Tapi, Zuari, Mandovi, and Periyar.
Eastern Coastal Plains:
- The eastern coastal plain, facing the Bay of Bengal, is broader and more extensive.
- It includes:
- Northern Circar: The northern part.
- Coromandel Coast: The southern part.
- Notably, the Chilika Lake is a significant feature of the eastern coast.
- Location: The Eastern Coastal Plains run parallel to the Bay of Bengal along the eastern coast of India. They extend from the Subarnarekha River Delta in Odisha to the Kanyakumari district in Tamil Nadu.
- Features: The Eastern Coastal Plains are broader and flatter compared to the Western Coastal Plains. They are characterized by deltas, estuaries, and lagoons formed by rivers such as the Mahanadi, Godavari, Krishna, and Kaveri.
- Major Cities: Significant cities along the eastern coast include Visakhapatnam (Andhra Pradesh), Chennai (Tamil Nadu), Puducherry, and Kolkata (West Bengal).
- Economy: The region is known for its rice cultivation, fishing industry, port infrastructure, and coastal tourism.
- Rivers: Major rivers flowing through the eastern coastal plains include the Mahanadi, Godavari, Krishna, and Kaveri.
Northern Circars:
- Sub-region: The Northern Circars refer to the coastal region of Andhra Pradesh between the Krishna and Godavari rivers.
- Features: The Northern Circars are known for their fertile soil, extensive rice cultivation, and historic port cities such as Visakhapatnam and Machilipatnam.
- Economy: Agriculture (especially rice cultivation), fisheries, and industries contribute significantly to the economy of the Northern Circars.
Coromandel Coast:
- Sub-region: The Coromandel Coast refers to the coastal region of Tamil Nadu and southeastern Andhra Pradesh.
- Features: The Coromandel Coast is characterized by sandy beaches, lagoons, and fertile delta regions. It is a significant agricultural and industrial hub, with major cities such as Chennai, Puducherry, and Tuticorin.
- Economy: Agriculture, textile manufacturing, port activities, and tourism are key drivers of the economy along the Coromandel Coast.
The climate of the coastal plains
The climate of the coastal plains is tropical monsoon, with hot and humid summers and warm winters. The average temperature along the coast remains above 20°C throughout the year. The rainfall pattern varies depending on the location, with the western coast receiving most of its rainfall during the southwest monsoon (June to September), while the eastern coast receives rainfall during both the southwest and northeast monsoons (October to December).
Features and Significance
- Fertile Lands: The alluvial deposits carried by the rivers have made the coastal plains highly fertile, making them ideal for agriculture.
- Rich Biodiversity: The coastal plains support a diverse range of flora and fauna, including mangroves, lagoons, beaches, and coral reefs. These ecosystems provide habitats for a variety of fish, birds, and mammals.
- Major Ports: The coastal plains are home to some of India’s most important ports, such as Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Kochi, and Visakhapatnam. These ports play a vital role in India’s international trade.
- Industrial Centers: The coastal plains are also home to several major industrial centers, which have benefited from the availability of land, water resources, and transportation links.
- Tourist Destinations: The beautiful beaches, scenic landscapes, and rich cultural heritage of the coastal plains make them popular tourist destinations.