A Geographical Assessment of Anthropogenic Factors Threats to Coastal Biodiversity in Raigad District, Maharashtra

Abstract Raigad District forms an important part of Maharashtra’s Konkan coastal region and possesses a wide range of marine and coastal ecosystems. Its geographical setting along the Arabian Sea supports beaches, creeks, estuaries, mangrove vegetation, mudflats, sand dunes, wetlands, and diverse marine and coastal organisms. These ecosystems provide valuable ecological services and support fishing, tourism, employment, food security, and the livelihoods of coastal communities. In recent decades, however, rapid economic development and increasing human intervention have placed considerable pressure on these environments. Industrial expansion, port-related activities, urban growth, land reclamation, dredging, sand extraction, wastewater discharge, plastic accumulation, intensive fishing, and unregulated tourism are among the important pressures affecting the coastal environment. Areas such as Uran, Karanja Creek, Panvel Creek, Dharamtar, and Patalganga have experienced different forms of anthropogenic influence on their aquatic environments. The present study provides a geographical review of the major human-induced threats to coastal biodiversity in Raigad District using published research, environmental studies, government documents, and other secondary sources. The review suggests that habitat modification and pollution are closely associated with the decline in the ecological quality of several coastal environments. Effective mangrove conservation, pollution management, sustainable fisheries, environmentally responsible tourism, habitat restoration, and community participation are therefore essential for maintaining the ecological integrity of the Raigad coast.