Why does the eastern coastal plain have fewer ports and harbours compared to the western coastal plain?

Correct option is C

The correct answer is (c) It is an emergent coast
Explanation:
· The eastern coastal plain is an emergent coast, meaning the land has risen relative to the sea.
· As a result, the coastline becomes shallow and sediment-filled, making it difficult to develop natural deep harbours.
· The western coast, on the other hand, is submergent, forming deep natural ports like Mumbai, Cochin and Mangalore.
Information Booster:
· Major rivers such as the Mahanadi, Godavari, Krishna and Cauvery deposit large amounts of alluvium on the eastern coast, making harbours difficult to maintain.
· The western coast is narrow, rocky and steep, favouring natural harbour formation.
Additional Knowledge:
· Option (a) is incorrect because distance from the Equator does not determine harbour formation.
· Option (b) is incorrect because tourist beaches do not affect port development.
· Option (d) is incorrect because rainfall has no relation to harbour suitability.