Vaan Island of Gulf of Mannar, Southeast coast of India - on the verge of submergence

Abstract

Vaan Island of Tuticorin region is one of the 21 uninhabited islands of Gulf of Mannar, Southeast coast of India. It has been stated invariably in all reports and articles that this Island has 16 hectares land as per its 1986 status. But, presently Vaan Island has only about 2.5 hectares of land left because of severe erosion. Since 2013, erosion has been very severe as the Island was split into two parts and one part is completely under the water now. Primarily coral mining coupled with sea level rise are the reasons behind the erosion. Considering the rate of erosion, Vaan Island is expected to totally submerge soon, if no immediate intervention is made.