Shifting Shores
CSTEP study evaluates the impact of sea level rise on Indian coastal cities and towns.
Climate change driven by burning of fossil fuels and greenhouse gas emissions has caused a steady rise in global temperatures. This has led to higher sea surface temperatures and accelerated glacier melting, which contribute to higher sea levels. Coastal cities and towns serve as economic and cultural hotspots in India, and sea level rise could pose a significant threat to livelihoods and infrastructure. Therefore, urgent action through the development of effective adaptation and risk mitigation strategies is needed.
CSTEP’s report Sea Level Rise Scenarios and Inundation Maps for Selected Indian Coastal Cities presents information on changes in sea levels under historical and future climate scenarios for 15 Indian coastal cities and towns.
Key sectors likely to be affected by sea level rise include water, agriculture, forests, biodiversity, and health. Coastal ecosystems such as beaches, backwaters, and mangrove forests are particularly vulnerable, posing risks to biodiversity and tourism. Additionally, regions such as Haldia, Udupi, Panaji, and Yanam — which have significant agricultural areas, wetlands, and water bodies — are expected to experience inundation due to rising sea levels. In the face of climate change, this report presents crucial information for policymakers to draft city action plans.
