The Indian coastal region has long been agriculturally productive, especially for intensive rice cultivation with good irrigation support. The numerous river deltas have largely contributed to this. The nearly 7,500 kms. The coastal region includes megacities of Mumbai and Calcutta, numerous smaller cities, tourist resorts, fishing hamlets, fragile ecosystems of coral reefs and mangroves and industrial activities. More than half of the country's population resides in the coastal areas, causing enormous stress on the natural resource base of the region.
Land is a primary resource that faces serious conflicts among sectoral users.
It is indeed a challenge to put this precious resource to the most rational use, taking into account its productive and functional capabilities and matching them with the pressing requirements demanded by social, environmental, economic and political driving forces. The available land is undergoing rapid changes in its use and cover. How can the understanding of the land use and land cover dynamics be used for policy guidance. These were essentially the questions addressed by an Expert meeting in early April this year at the International Centre in Goa. Industrialisation has marginalised agricultural activity in the coastal areas, making it increasingly unattractive to the farmers.