Gujarat coastline shrinks: 765 km eroded, salinity puts farmland at risk

Gujarat is witnessing alarming levels of coastal erosion and rising soil salinity, with experts warning that the state’s geography itself could change if the trend continues.

A report by the Union Ministry of Jal Shakti revealed that nearly 765 km of Gujarat’s coastline has been eroded. Districts most affected include Gir Somnath, Dwarka, Amreli, Porbandar, and Jamnagar.

Officials attribute the worsening situation to unchecked industrialisation, illegal mining, and deforestation along the coast.

The report also highlighted that 7 lakh hectares of land across 534 coastal villages in Saurashtra were impacted by salinity. In May 2025, the Centre issued new guidelines to curb the issue, with the Gujarat government beginning implementation. Corrective measures have already reduced salinity across 87,860 hectares, providing relief to farmers.

The National Assessment of Shoreline Change has confirmed that Gujarat’s coastal belt remains under serious threat, with urgent measures required to protect land, agriculture, and livelihoods.