India has a vast coastline of 7,516.6 km, including the mainland and islands. The Coastal Plains of India are divided into two major parts:
- Western Coastal Plains (along the Arabian Sea)
- Eastern Coastal Plains (along the Bay of Bengal)
These coastal plains are significant for fishing, agriculture, ports, tourism, and biodiversity.
1. Western Coastal Plains
📍 Location: Lies between the Western Ghats and the Arabian Sea
📍 Extends from: Gujarat to Kerala
📍 States Covered: Gujarat, Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, Kerala
Key Features of Western Coastal Plains:
- Narrow width (50–100 km wide)
- Short and swift rivers (e.g., Narmada, Tapi, Mandovi, Zuari)
- Numerous lagoons and estuaries
- Rich in marine biodiversity
- Major ports: Mumbai, Mangalore, Kochi
Divisions of Western Coastal Plains:
- Gujarat Coast
- Largest coastline in India
- Rann of Kutch, Gulf of Kutch, Gulf of Khambhat
- Important for salt production
- Konkan Coast (Maharashtra & Goa)
- Rocky cliffs, bays, and estuaries
- Mumbai and Goa – major ports and tourist spots
- Kannada Coast (Karnataka)
- Sandy beaches, coconut plantations
- Karwar and Mangalore ports
- Malabar Coast (Kerala)
- Backwaters and lagoons (e.g., Vembanad Lake, Ashtamudi Lake)
- Famous for spice plantations and tourism
2. Eastern Coastal Plains
📍 Location: Lies between the Eastern Ghats and the Bay of Bengal
📍 Extends from: West Bengal to Tamil Nadu
📍 States Covered: West Bengal, Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu
Key Features of Eastern Coastal Plains:
- Wider than the Western Coastal Plains (100–120 km wide)
- Major river deltas (Ganga, Mahanadi, Godavari, Krishna, Kaveri)
- Lagoons and lakes (e.g., Chilika Lake, Pulicat Lake)
- Tropical cyclones frequently hit this region
- Major ports: Chennai, Vishakhapatnam, Paradip
Divisions of Eastern Coastal Plains:
- Utkal Coast (Odisha & West Bengal)
- Chilika Lake (largest brackish water lake in India)
- Mahanadi and Subarnarekha river deltas
- Andhra Coast (Andhra Pradesh)
- Krishna-Godavari delta (Rice Bowl of India)
- Vishakhapatnam and Kakinada ports
- Coromandel Coast (Tamil Nadu)
- Kaveri delta, fertile soil for agriculture
- Chennai and Tuticorin ports
3. Comparison: Western vs. Eastern Coastal Plains
| Feature | Western Coastal Plains | Eastern Coastal Plains |
|---|---|---|
| Location | Arabian Sea | Bay of Bengal |
| Width | Narrow (50–100 km) | Wider (100–120 km) |
| Rivers | Short and fast-flowing | Large rivers forming deltas |
| Major Landforms | Cliffs, estuaries, lagoons | Deltas, beaches, lakes |
| Major Ports | Mumbai, Kochi, Mangalore | Chennai, Vishakhapatnam, Paradip |
| Agriculture | Plantations (coconut, spices) | Rice cultivation |
| Cyclones | Less affected | More affected |
4. Importance of Coastal Plains
✅ Agriculture – Fertile deltas support rice, coconut, and spices.
✅ Fishing Industry – Major livelihood in states like Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Gujarat.
✅ Tourism – Goa, Kerala backwaters, Chennai beaches.
✅ Ports & Trade – Mumbai, Chennai, and Vishakhapatnam handle global trade.
✅ Oil & Gas – Offshore reserves (Mumbai High, KG Basin).
5. Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs)
- Which of the following rivers does NOT form a delta on the Eastern Coastal Plains?
a) Godavari
b) Krishna
c) Narmada
d) Kaveri
✔ Answer: (c) Narmada (Narmada forms an estuary, not a delta.) - Which part of the Western Coastal Plains is famous for its backwaters?
a) Konkan Coast
b) Kannada Coast
c) Malabar Coast
d) Gujarat Coast
✔ Answer: (c) Malabar Coast (Kerala’s backwaters are famous.) - Chilika Lake is located in which state?
a) Andhra Pradesh
b) Tamil Nadu
c) Odisha
d) West Bengal
✔ Answer: (c) Odisha - Which of the following is NOT a port on the Eastern Coastal Plains?
a) Chennai
b) Mumbai
c) Vishakhapatnam
d) Paradip
✔ Answer: (b) Mumbai (Mumbai is on the Western Coast.) - Which delta is called the ‘Rice Bowl of India’?
a) Ganga Delta
b) Krishna-Godavari Delta
c) Kaveri Delta
d) Mahanadi Delta
✔ Answer: (b) Krishna-Godavari Delta - Which coastal plain has more number of natural harbors?
a) Western Coastal Plains
b) Eastern Coastal Plains
✔ Answer: (a) Western Coastal Plains (Mumbai, Kochi, Mangalore have natural harbors.) - Which region is frequently affected by cyclones?
a) Western Coastal Plains
b) Eastern Coastal Plains
✔ Answer: (b) Eastern Coastal Plains (More exposed to Bay of Bengal cyclones.) - Which lake is India’s largest brackish water lake?
a) Vembanad Lake
b) Chilika Lake
c) Pulicat Lake
d) Sambhar Lake
✔ Answer: (b) Chilika Lake - Which coastal plain is known for its spice plantations?
a) Coromandel Coast
b) Utkal Coast
c) Malabar Coast
d) Konkan Coast
✔ Answer: (c) Malabar Coast (Famous for spices like pepper, cardamom.) - Which state has the longest coastline in India?
a) Maharashtra
b) Gujarat
c) Tamil Nadu
d) Andhra Pradesh
✔ Answer: (b) Gujarat (Longest coastline ~1,600 km.)
6. Short Answer Questions
- Which two seas surround India’s coastal plains?
- Arabian Sea (West) and Bay of Bengal (East).
- What are backwaters?
- Brackish water lagoons connected to the sea, found in Kerala.
- Which is the longest coastline state in India?
- Gujarat (~1,600 km).
- What is the major crop grown in the Eastern Coastal Plains?
- Rice, due to fertile deltas.
- Which port is known as the ‘Gateway of India’?
- Mumbai Port.
- Which coastal area is prone to cyclones?
- Eastern Coastal Plains.
- Name two natural harbors in India.
- Mumbai and Kochi Ports.
✅ Key Takeaways for Competitive Exams:
- Western Coastal Plains = Narrow, estuaries, natural harbors.
- Eastern Coastal Plains = Wide, river deltas, cyclones.
- Major Ports: Mumbai, Chennai, Kochi, Vishakhapatnam.
- Lakes: Chilika, Pulicat, Vembanad.
- Fishing, Agriculture, Tourism, and Trade = Key Economic Activities.
📚 Perfect for UPSC, SSC, State PSCs, and other exams! 🚀 Let me know if you need more details! ✅