Cover Story: The 'tidal' Livelihoods

About 250 million people make a living within a range of 50 km, along the coast of India that is about 8000 km approximately. Coastal livelihoods for major part are akin to the livelihoods practiced in the hinterland, both urban and rural areas, except for a few like fishing, salt farming, coastal plantations, coconut cultivation, cashew cultivation, shell crafts etc that are predominantly found in coastal areas. Of the 250 million about 80 per cent are engaged in livelihoods that are urban-based port-based, tourist-based, service-based, land- based (fertile delta), large scale commercial fishing or dairy etc. This 80 per cent are not discussed here. The remaining 20 per cent are the poor living along the coast depending on resources between the cities and deltas and one of the most marginalized sections of the country. They face all kinds of problems like their counterparts in the hinterland. In addition, being right on the coast itself, they place themselves at the mercy of nature. Their livelihoods carry a huge risk.