Repressed Coastal Population': An Analysis of Rights of Coastal Communities and Ineffective Intricacies of Coastal Law Regime In India

Abstract

With a 138-crore population, India faces several fatalities as a consequence of natural disasters. Climate change, geo climatic conditions and high socio-economic vulnerability are the main reasons for coastal issues in India. Furthermore, catastrophic incidents and different types of complex environmental conundrums are increasing due to the industrial and economic activities in coastal zones, wherein half of the Indian population lives. Enormous economic renovations and urbanisation has ensued in deprivation as well as ecological damage to coastal zones in India. Even after three decades of Coastal law, India is still combating coastal issues; sustaining the livelihood security of fishing communities, preserving the health of coastal eco systems and bio diversities which are crucial to overall sustainability of coastal regions2 . But while striving to accomplish the economic goals of our country, our coastal policies have failed to incorporate the powerful concept that survival of human beings depends on their harmonization with nature. There is a close collaboration between man and nature. But at the same time, development is as important as environmental protection. Coasts offer crucial components for social and economic development to the world. However, the unregulated development in coastal zones have resulted in livelihood challenges to coastal communities and this article mainly addresses the tripartite issue of development, environmental protection, and livelihood challenges of coastal communities in India. Therefore, the objective of this paper is to study the legal and environmental advancements for the sustainable development of our coasts as well as to analyse the issues faced by coastal inhabitants.