Indian Geography

Model Answer

Introduction

Managed retreat, or ‘managed realignment,’ involves relocating people, infrastructure, and buildings away from vulnerable coastlines to reduce the risks posed by rising sea levels. With the IPCC reporting a sea-level rise of about 3.6mm per year (2005-2015) and projections suggesting a rise of 0.29m to 1.1m by the century’s end, managed retreat becomes a vital strategy for protecting coastal regions globally.

Effectiveness of Managed Retreat

1. Risk Reduction: Managed retreat reduces the risk of catastrophic flooding, safeguarding lives and infrastructure. For example, after repeated flooding from the Mississippi River, the residents of Valmeyer, Illinois, relocated to higher ground, effectively mitigating flood risks (IPCC report).
2. Long-Term Sustainability: By allowing natural habitats like wetlands and beaches to migrate inland, managed retreat supports ecological preservation. It ensures the long-term viability of coastal ecosystems and cities, as observed in the Netherlands, where water management integrates retreat as part of adaptive strategies.
3. Adaptive Planning: Managed retreat offers flexibility, adapting to environmental changes. The Sundarbans in India, facing significant sea-level rise, uses managed retreat to plan for future displacement, aiming to prevent forced migration of coastal communities.
4. Global Acceptance: Countries like Kiribati are already acting on this strategy, purchasing land in Fiji to resettle their citizens due to the imminent threat of sea-level rise, demonstrating global recognition of managed retreat as a necessary climate adaptation strategy.

Challenges to Effectiveness

1. Investment Needs: Significant financial resources are required for planning, relocation, and sustainable infrastructure development. The costs of relocating communities, especially in densely populated areas, are substantial.
2. Societal Impact: The social and cultural impacts of relocation can be profound. In the Sundarbans, residents resisted moving due to attachment to their land and community, highlighting the challenge of gaining public support.
3. Government Preparedness: Effective implementation requires comprehensive government strategies and policies. New Zealand’s Climate Change Response Act offers an example of proactive policy-making but requires continued effort to address logistical, legal, and ethical complexities.
4. Equity and Justice: Managed retreat must ensure that marginalized and vulnerable communities are not disproportionately affected. Policymakers must address socio-economic disparities to avoid exacerbating existing inequities.

Conclusion

While managed retreat offers a strategic solution to coastal urbanization in the face of climate change, its effectiveness depends on comprehensive planning, adequate investment, and careful consideration of social and economic factors. As coastal regions like those in India grapple with rising sea levels, managed retreat will play a crucial role in shaping sustainable and resilient urban futures.