Impact of coastal structure on shorelines along the southeast and southwest coasts of india

ABSTRACT This study aims to explore the site-specific impact of coastal structures on the stability of the shoreline. For this study, the shoreline data were collected with higher-order accuracy along a few vulnerable stretches of the coast in the vicinity of hard structures such as Seawalls, Groyne, Breakwater, and Training walls along the southeast and southwest coasts of India. All the field collected shoreline data were analysed with statistical measures using DSAS (Digital Shoreline Analysis System) tool of ArcGIS software. The presence of shore connected coastal structures dictates the sedimentation process in its purlieu. The observed average rate of erosion and accretion in the adjoining coastlines are −5.7 m/yr and +4.92 m/yr, respectively. The field measurements from the present study would provide an effective base for the planning and implementation of coastal structures near the studied area, as well as to adopt a better methodology for coastal impact assessment. Most of the well-planned and executed hard engineering structures have yielded desirable results and benefit for the local coastal communities.