Gulf of Kutch is an inlet of the Arabian Sea located along the west coast of India, in the Jamnagar district of Gujarat. It stretches for 99 miles and is famous for the coral reefs surrounding the 32 islands. A unique feature of this region is the tidal range, which generates fast currents of about 2.5 m per second. It is rimmed with mudflats and many small islands rise from its waters. Gulf of Kutch occupying an area of 7300 sqkm is biologically one of the most productive and diversified habitats along the west coast of India. The southern shore has numerous Islands and inlets which harbor vast areas of mangroves and coral reefs with living corals. The northern shore with numerous shoals and creeks also sustains large stretches of mangroves.
The southern coast of the Gulf extends from Okha to Navlakhi and the northern coast from Kandla to Kori creek. The western extremity of the Gulf consists of a vast complex of marshland criss-crossed by innumerous creeks. Kandla, Nakti and Hansthal creeks are the major tributaries of the inner Gulf and drain into the Little Gulf of Kutch. The Gulf is endowed with a great diversity of natural ecosystems, of which the major systems are salt pans, inter-tidal zones, marine algae, sea grass and sand dunes, mangroves, coral reefs, creeks and open Ocean.
Geography of Gulf of Kutch
The maximum depth of Gulf of Kutch is 401 feet (122 m). It is a region with highest potential of tidal energy generation. It divides Kutch and the Kathiawar peninsula regions of Gujarat. The Rukmavati River empties into the Arabian Sea nearby. Gulf of Khambhat lies in south and the Great Rann of Kutch is located in north of the gulf.
Flora and Fauna of Gulf of Kutch
The area is covered with mangrove forests and algal beds. The area is the habitat of a variety of marine animals and therefore the area has a Marine Sanctuary and Marine National Park. Some of the other major attractions in the vicinity are Willingdon Crescent, Lakhota Fort and Kotha Bastion, Bala Hanuman Temple and the Jain Temple.
According to some developmental projects by the Gujarat Government, the first coral garden will be setup near Mithapur in Gulf of Kutch. The different species of corals will be setup and underwater garden will be developed for conservation and tourism purposes. It will be developed by joint venture of Gujarat forest department, Wildlife Trust of India and Tata Chemicals.
Marine National Park, Gulf of Kutch
Marine National Park in the Gulf of Kutch is situated on the southern shore of the Gulf of Kutch in the Jamnagar District of Gujarat. It is the 1st National Marine Park of India. There are 42 islands on the Jamnagar coast in the Marine National Park, most of them surrounded by reefs.
Transportation of Gulf of Kutch
The area is well connected by rail and roadways to the major places in India. The nearest airport is at Jamnagar.
