Study Ranks Chennai Among Coastal Cities at High Risk from Rising Sea Levels

quick Summary

• A study by anna University and Tamil Nadu Green Climate Company highlights increased risks from sea-level rise for Chennai and other cities along India’s eastern coast.
• Data analyzed (1992-2023) indicates the Bay of Bengal experiences faster sea-level rise compared to the Arabian Sea, putting Tamil Nadu’s coastline in a high-risk zone.
• Projections suggest sea-level rise could range from 25.72 cm (low-emission scenarios) to 110.2 cm (high-emission scenarios) by 2100.
• Regional variations were noted:

– Arabian Sea: steady trends with Mumbai showing a rate of 0.97 mm/year and Mormugao at 2.75 mm/year.
– Bay of Bengal: Variable rates ranging from -0.17 mm/year at Tuticorin to 3.82 mm/year at Diamond harbour,West Bengal.
– Tuticorin’s negative rate is attributed to land uplift, while other coastal areas face erosion and saltwater intrusion issues.

• Vulnerabilities include saltwater affecting groundwater supplies crucial for drinking water and agriculture, intensified coastal erosion, and exposure to cyclones:

– Since 1991, the Bay of Bengal witnessed 62 cyclonic systems compared to just nine in the Arabian Sea; post-monsoon storms account for over two-thirds of severe cyclones threatening low-lying areas.
– Areas identified as highly vulnerable include Sundarbans, Visakhapatnam, parts of Tamil Nadu’s coastline.

• The study suggests integrated adaptation strategies such as engineering interventions, mangrove restoration projects, and community resilience efforts tailored regionally.

Indian Opinion Analysis

The findings underscore an urgent need for action along India’s eastern coastline-notably in Tamil Nadu-to combat threats posed by rising seas accelerated by climate change. With notable socio-economic implications impacting agriculture production due to saltwater intrusion and potential displacement caused by coastal erosion or intensifying cyclone activity in post-monsoon seasons across vulnerable regions like Sundarbans or Visakhapatnam these events amplify interconnected environmental sustainability challenges requiring direct mitigation..

Region-Specific approaches highlighted proactive countermeasures solutions Mangroves serve contribute broaden Ecosystem shield complement frameworks both scientific socially connectivity disaster_proof regulational gaps