Class 4 The Coastal Plains and the Islands

Class 4 The Coastal Plains and the Islands

 

1. Coastal Plains in India:

   • India has two stretches of coastal plains, one on the eastern side and one on the western side.
   • They extend from Gujarat to West Bengal and meet at Kanyakumari in the southernmost part of India.
   • The eastern coastal plains are wider than the western coastal plains.

2. Eastern Coastal Plains:

   • Located between the Eastern Ghats and the Bay of Bengal.
   • Encompass parts of West Bengal, Orissa, Andhra Pradesh, Puducherry, and Tamil Nadu.
   • Divided into three regions: Northern Circars, Coromandel Coast, and Utkal Coast.
   • Major rivers in this region include the Mahanadi, Godavari, Krishna, and Kaveri, all of which flow into the Bay of Bengal.
   • Fertile plains with large river deltas, suitable for agriculture.
   • Main crops include rice, coconut, cotton, jute, and sugar cane.
   • Common occupations are agriculture and fishing.

3. Western Coastal Plains:

   • Stretch along the western coast of India.
   • Rivers like Tapi, Narmada, Mandovi, and Juari flow through this region.
   • Features mangrove forests, backwaters, and lagoons, especially in Kerala.
   • Agriculture and fishing are the primary occupations.
   • Crops grown include cotton, groundnut, cashew, sugar cane, rice, and spices.
   • Many harbors and ports along the western coast, essential for trade.

4. Climate:

   • Coastal plains have a moderate climate.
   • Western coastal plains receive more rainfall compared to the eastern coastal plains.
   • Eastern coastal plains experience heavy rainfall during summer monsoons.
   • The Coromandel Coast faces rain in winter and cyclones.

5. Islands:

   • India has two groups of islands: Andaman and Nicobar Islands in the Bay of Bengal and Lakshadweep Islands in the Arabian Sea.
   • Andaman and Nicobar Islands are believed to be an extension of the northeastern mountain system.
   • These islands are a Union Territory of India with Port Blair as the capital.
   • The climate is hot and humid with regular rainfall.
   • Major crops include rice, maize, coconut, and rubber.
   • The islands are sparsely populated and have dense forests and tribal communities.
   • Tourist attractions include the Cellular Jail and beautiful beaches.

6. Lakshadweep Islands:

   • Located in the Arabian Sea, surrounded by coral reefs.
   • Formed from coral deposits near the Kerala coast.
   • The smallest Union Territory of India, formerly known as Laccadive Islands.
   • Capital is Kavaratti.
   • Major crop is coconut, along with rice, jackfruit, and other fruits and vegetables.
   • Dominant activities are farming, fishing, and tourism.