Seawater intrusion in the coastal aquifers of India - A review

Massive withdrawal of groundwater resources due to population growth and rapid industrialization has led to seawater intrusion into the coastal aquifers across the globe. The problem is an emerging challenge as the coastal areas host ≈40% of the total global population. Impacts of the seawater intrusion on the health of the local community, economic and socio-cultural developments in the coastal areas have led to a wide variety of research being conducted. The objective of the present study is to provide a detailed review of the processes that control the seawater intrusion into the coastal aquifers and the necessary measures to mitigate the same. Various methods of investigation and their applicability are explained. Finally, the status of seawater intrusion in India has been discussed in greater detail.