General Studies 2022 GS Paper III 15 marks 250 words Compulsory Explain

Q18

Explain the causes and effects of coastal erosion in India. What are the available coastal management techniques for combating the hazard? (Answer in 250 words) 15

हिंदी में प्रश्न पढ़ें

भारत में तटीय अपरदन के कारणों एवं प्रभावों को समझाइए। खतरे का मुकाबला करने के लिए उपलब्ध तटीय प्रबंधन तकनीकें क्या हैं? (250 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए)

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Directive word: Explain

This question asks you to explain. The directive word signals the depth of analysis expected, the structure of your answer, and the weight of evidence you must bring.

See our UPSC directive words guide for a full breakdown of how to respond to each command word.

How this answer will be evaluated

Approach

The directive 'explain' requires clear causal exposition of why coastal erosion occurs and how it manifests, followed by systematic elaboration of management techniques. Structure as: brief introduction defining coastal erosion in Indian context → causes (natural and anthropogenic) → effects (environmental, economic, social) → management techniques (hard and soft engineering, institutional) → forward-looking conclusion integrating climate adaptation.

Key points expected

Natural causes: wave dynamics (longshore drift), sea-level rise, cyclonic storms, tidal action, geological composition of coasts
Anthropogenic causes: sand mining, construction of dams/ports reducing sediment supply, destruction of mangroves/coral reefs, unregulated coastal development
Effects: loss of habitable land, salinity ingress, damage to infrastructure, displacement of fishing communities, loss of biodiversity, threat to heritage sites
Hard techniques: seawalls, groynes, breakwaters, beach nourishment; Soft techniques: mangrove restoration, dune rehabilitation, setback lines
Institutional measures: CRZ Notification 2011/2019, National Adaptation Fund for Climate Change, Shoreline Change Atlas by NCSCM
Critical perspective: need for integrated coastal zone management (ICZM) over structural solutions, community participation, climate-resilient planning

Evaluation rubric

Dimension	Weight	Max marks	Excellent	Average	Poor
Demand-directive understanding	20%	3	Demonstrates precise understanding of 'explain' by establishing clear cause-effect linkages for erosion and elaborating mechanisms of management techniques rather than mere listing	Partially addresses 'explain' with some causal connections but slips into description; management techniques listed without operational details	Misinterprets directive as 'describe' or 'list'; provides disconnected facts without causal or mechanistic exposition
Content depth & accuracy	20%	3	Covers both natural and anthropogenic causes with geological specificity; distinguishes hard/soft/institutional management with technical accuracy; mentions climate change dimension	Covers major causes and techniques but lacks specificity on geological processes or conflates categories; omits climate adaptation angle	Superficial treatment with major omissions (e.g., only natural causes or only hard structures); factual errors on CRZ provisions or erosion processes
Structure & flow	20%	3	Logical tripartite structure with seamless transitions; causes lead naturally to effects which justify management response; balanced word allocation (~80 causes, ~80 effects, ~70 management, ~20 conclusion)	Recognizable structure but uneven weightage or abrupt transitions; conclusion rushed or causes/effects poorly sequenced	Disorganized or fragmented; no clear demarcation between causes, effects and management; violates word economy with repetition
Examples / case-law / data	20%	3	Specific Indian examples: Puducherry seawall, Kerala's Alappad sand mining crisis, Odisha's post-Fani mangrove restoration, CRZ violations in Mumbai/Goa; references NCSCM data or Shoreline Change Atlas	Generic mention of 'eastern/western coast' or one vague example; no data or institutional specifics	No Indian examples; relies on international cases (Maldives, Netherlands) without Indian application; or entirely example-free
Conclusion & analytical edge	20%	3	Synthesizes into integrated coastal zone management approach; critiques over-reliance on hard structures; proposes nature-based solutions with community participation; connects to SDG 14 or India's climate commitments	Summary restatement without synthesis; generic recommendation for 'strict implementation' without critical insight	Absent or abrupt conclusion; purely descriptive ending; no analytical value-add or forward-looking perspective

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