The macro-benthic molluscan diversity in the estuaries of east coast of Indian sub-continent was studied during May 2014 to April 2015. The intertidal mudflats in four maritime states of India namely West Bengal (Shankarpur coast), Odisha (Bahuda estuary), Andhra Pradesh (East Godavari estuary) and Puducherry (Kalapet coast) were selected for the present work. A total of 17 dominant species were observed under the molluscan community encompassing two major classes namely Bivalvia and Gastropoda. Shannon-Weiner species diversity index was enumerated in all the sites to evaluate the magnitude of environmental stress. The mean value varied between 2.210 (Shankarpur coast in West Bengal) to 2.730 (Bahuda estuary in Odisha) which reflects different degree of stress operating on the estuarine/coastal ecosystem.

Keywords: East Coast of India; Macro-Benthic Molluscan Community; Spatial Variation; Shannon-Weiner Species Diversity Index