Indian Physiography: The Coastal Plains – Features, Divisions and Economic Importance скачать в хорошем качестве

Indian Physiography: The Coastal Plains – Features, Divisions and Economic Importance

The Coastal Plains of India form an important physiographic division lying between the Peninsular Plateau and the surrounding seas. Stretching along the Arabian Sea in the west and the Bay of Bengal in the east, these plains play a vital role in India’s climate, trade, agriculture, and maritime activities. Though narrow in width, they are economically and strategically significant. The Coastal Plains are broadly divided into the Western Coastal Plains and the Eastern Coastal Plains. The Western Coastal Plains extend from Gujarat in the north to Kerala in the south and are comparatively narrow, uneven, and dissected by short, swift-flowing rivers originating from the Western Ghats. This coast is further divided into the Konkan Coast, the Kannad Coast, and the Malabar Coast. Natural harbours such as Mumbai and Kochi are found along this coast, making it favorable for port development and overseas trade. The Eastern Coastal Plains stretch from West Bengal to Tamil Nadu along the Bay of Bengal. They are wider, flatter, and more fertile compared to the western coast. Major rivers like the Mahanadi, Godavari, Krishna, and Kaveri form extensive deltas here, supporting intensive agriculture, especially rice cultivation. This coast includes the Northern Circars and the Coromandel Coast. Physiographically, the coastal plains are characterized by lagoons, backwaters, estuaries, and coastal sand dunes. The backwaters of Kerala, such as the Vembanad Lake, are unique features of the western coast and are important for inland navigation and tourism. Mangrove forests, particularly in the Sundarbans delta, protect the coastline from erosion and cyclones. The Coastal Plains support dense population due to fertile soils, favorable climate, fishing activities, industrial development, and port-based trade. They also hold strategic importance for naval bases and coastal security. For students of Indian geography and aspirants preparing for UPSC, NDA, and SSB examinations, the Coastal Plains are a key topic to understand India’s physical structure, drainage patterns, and economic geography. #indianphysiography #coastalplains #westerncoastalplains #easterncoastalplains #konkancoast #kannadcoast #malabarcoast #coromandelcoast #northerncircars #coastalgeography #indiangeography #physicalgeography #deltasofindia #backwatersofkerala #mangroveforests #sundarbans #portsinindia #maritimetrade #fishingindustry #geographyforupsc #geographyfornda #geographyforssb #competitiveexams