Seawater intrusion in the coastal aquifers is a major concern in India. What are the causes of seawater intrusion and the remedial measures to combat this hazard? (Answer in 150 words)

- Seawater intrusion in the coastal aquifers is a major concern in India. What are the causes of seawater intrusion and the remedial measures to combat this hazard? (Answer in 150 words)
Introduction
Seawater intrusion refers to the landward movement of saline water into freshwater aquifers along coastal regions, degrading groundwater quality. It is an emerging concern in India’s coastal states like Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala, where over-extraction and climate change worsen the problem.
Body
1. Causes:
- Excessive Groundwater Extraction: Over-pumping lowers the freshwater table, allowing seawater to move inland.
- Reduced Recharge: Urbanization and loss of wetlands limit natural replenishment of aquifers.
- Sea-Level Rise: Climate change-induced rise in sea levels increases hydrostatic pressure on coastal aquifers.
- Poor Land Use Practices: Sand mining and coastal construction disturb natural hydraulic balance.
2. Remedial Measures:
- Regulated Groundwater Extraction through sustainable yield limits.
- Artificial Recharge Structures like percolation ponds and recharge wells.
- Subsurface Barriers to block saline intrusion.
- Conjunctive Use of surface and groundwater to reduce stress.
- Coastal Zone Management Plans and monitoring by CGWB.
Conclusion
Addressing seawater intrusion requires integrated coastal aquifer management, combining regulation, recharge, and community participation to ensure sustainable freshwater security in India’s coastal zones.