The present research area, the Gulf of Cambay, is a very dynamic coastal region situated on the west coast of India. It is an inlet of the Arabian Sea. The strong tides, sediment-laden currents and their interaction with the coastline of the Gulf of Cambay have been a matter of observations, not fully understood in terms of their causes and effects. The gulf comprises an area of high tides (upto 11 meters) and is characterized by the domination of strong tidal currents. Saltwater intrusion in the study area is a serious problem that has been addressed qualitatively as well as quantitatively. The region has been divided into various zones depending on vulnerability to saltwater intrusion using a model and the chloride content of the potable water has been studied in pre- and post-monsoon seasons. A detailed study has been carried out to find out the number of villages and the population affected by high chlorine content in drinking water in these seasons.

The Gulf of Cambay is situated on the west coast of India as an inlet of the Arabian Sea. The gulf comprises an area of high tides (upto 11 meters) and is characterized by strong tidal currents. Because of very high tidal amplitude, shifting of bathymetric relief features and constant shoreline changes, this area poses enormous challenges for development work, as well as for coexistence with nature.

A further boost was provided by the announcement of the government of India's new industrial policy in July 1991. Under this new liberalized policy, only 15 industrial groups were required to obtain industrial licenses and the rest were delicensed on satisfying certain conditions. For setting up a medium/large industrial unit, only the following approvals were required: (i) Letter of Intent (LOI); (ii) Industrial Entrepreneurs Memorandum (IEM); and (iii) Letter of permission for 100% Export Oriented Unit (EOU). A spurt was observed in filing different types of approvals in the country and Gujarat ranked top in receiving various types of industrial investments (Industries of Gujarat, 1995). Out of the total investment in Gujarat, more than 50% is accounted for by the group of chemical, petrochemical, drugs and pharmaceuticals. The coastal districts of Bharuch and Surat have attracted substantial amount of investment in these sectors.

Land Degradation in Coastal Areas and Its Impact, Remote Sensing and GIS, Coast, Saltwater, Aquifer, Vulnerability, Tidal range, Groundwater, Export Oriented Unit (EOU), Letter of Intent (LOI), Industrial Entrepreneurs Memorandum (IEM), tidal currents, tidal amplitude.