Previous Year Question
Which of the following are the natural ports of India?
Chennai
Kochi
Tuticorin
Visakhapatnam
Select the correct answer from the codes given below:
1 and 2
1 and 3
2 and 3
2 and 4
Correct Answer: D
Detailed Solution
Kochi (Cochin) is located on the western coast of India in Kerala and is a natural, all-weather harbour. The Cochin Port Authority explicitly describes Cochin as an “all weather natural Harbour.” It is connected with the backwaters, which provide relatively calm waters within the harbour.
Visakhapatnam is located on the eastern coast of India in Andhra Pradesh. Official topographical data of the Ministry of Ports classify its Inner Harbour as a Natural Harbour.
In contrast, Chennai Port is an Artificial Harbour. Since it does not possess a naturally sheltered harbour, it was developed using breakwaters and other harbour structures. Official Ministry of Ports data classify Chennai as an Artificial Harbour with Wet Docks.
Tuticorin, now officially known as V.O. Chidambaranar Port, is also an Artificial Harbour. Thus, 1 and 3 are not natural ports.
A useful current clarification is that the Inner Harbour of Visakhapatnam is classified as natural, whereas its subsequently developed Outer Harbour is artificial. This resolves the apparent difference sometimes seen in port classifications.
For examinations, remember—Kochi → Natural Harbour; Visakhapatnam Inner Harbour → Natural; Chennai → Artificial; Tuticorin/V.O.C. → Artificial.