PARLIAMENT QUESTION: Studies for Coastal Erosion
PARLIAMENT QUESTION: Studies for Coastal Erosion
National Centre for Coastal Research (NCCR) an attached office under Ministry of Earth Sciences, has carried out an updated assessment of shoreline changes along the coastal districts of Valsad and Navsari of Gujarat coast using remote-sensing datasets for the period 1990–2022. The results indicate that about 58% (36.62 km) of the Valsad coastline experienced erosion of varying intensity, including 2.5 km under high erosion, 3.24 km under moderate erosion, and the remaining 30.88 km under low erosion. Similarly, around 60% (24.64 km) of the Navsari coastline was found to be undergoing erosion, comprising 3.86 km under high erosion, 4.60 km under moderate erosion, and 16.18 km under low erosion categories.
Table: Shoreline Change details (1990-2022) of Valsad and Navsari districts.
1990-2022
Districts
Coast Length
Erosion
Stable
Accretion
Low
medium
High
km
%
km
%
km
%
Valsad
62.78
30.88
3.24
2.5
36.62
58.3
16.12
25.7
10.04
16.0
Navsari
40.88
16.18
4.6
3.86
24.64
60.3
6.66
16.3
9.58
23.4
As per NCCR shoreline change classification, the region north of Udvada is identified as a high-erosion zone, while the Bhagal coastal stretch falls under the moderate-erosion category; both are considered erosion-prone/high-risk areas. Other coastal stretches such as Govada, Dehri Beach, Umbergaon Beach, Nargol, Malwan Beach, Maroli, Kalgam Bariyawad Beach, Fansa, Umarsadi, Tithal and Kosamba are classified under the low-erosion category.
NCCR has carried out a long-term (32-year) shoreline change assessment for entire coastline including Tithal region. However, NCCR has not recommended any coastal protection.
NCCR undertakes systematic R&D work on coastal processes and shoreline management, and assists coastal States/UTs by identifying vulnerable stretches, recommending site-specific mitigation measures, and supporting the preparation of Shoreline Management Plans (SMPs). Implementation of these measures’ rests with the respective coastal States/UTs. However, to address erosion-related issues, the Government has issued Guidelines for Appraisal and Release of Funds for Coastal and River Erosion under the National Disaster Management Fund (NDMF) on 20th June 2024, based on the 15th Finance Commission’s recommendations. The guidelines provide for both erosion mitigation measures under the NDMF and resettlement of displaced populations under the National Disaster Relief Fund (NDRF) with a recommended allocation of Rs. 1500 crore for 2021–26.
This information was submitted by Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Earth Sciences and Science & Technology Dr. Jitendra Singh in Lok Sabha on 11th February 2026.