The correct option is 2 and 3 only
Explanation
The Western Coastal Plains are a thin strip of coastal plain sandwiched between the Western Ghats and the Arabian Sea, extending from Gujarat in the north to Kerala in the south.
- Statement 1 is Incorrect: The Western Coastal Plains are primarily an example of a submerged coastal plain. It is believed that the city of Dwaraka, which was once a part of the Indian mainland, has submerged under water. Because of this submergence, it is a narrow belt and provides natural conditions for the development of ports and harbours. In contrast, the Eastern Coastal Plains are an example of an emergent coast.
- Statement 2 is Correct: The width of the Western Coastal Plains varies significantly. They are narrow in the middle (particularly along the Karnataka coast) and get broader towards the north (Gujarat) and south (Kerala).
- Statement 3 is Correct: The rivers flowing through the Western Coastal Plains are short and swift. Due to the steep gradient of the Western Ghats and the hard rock bed, these rivers do not carry enough silt to form deltas. Instead, they form estuaries at their mouths.
Key Takeaway: The Western Coastal Plains are submerged coasts characterized by estuaries and natural ports, whereas the Eastern Coastal Plains are emergent coasts characterized by well-developed deltas.