In a significant update, India’s coastline has been recalibrated to an official length of 11,084.50 km, a substantial increase from the previous measurement of 7,516.60 km. This marks a remarkable 47% rise in the coastline length.
The dramatic change in coastline length can be attributed to an evolution in mapping methodology. Previously, a larger scale of 1:4,500,000 was used, but the new measurement employs a more precise scale of 1:250,000. This enhanced scale allows for better recognition of intricate geographical features, including bays, inlets, estuaries, and tidal connections to islands.
The recalculation was spearheaded by the Survey of India, utilizing cutting-edge GIS software, satellite imagery, and Electronic Navigation Charts. The high water line served as the reference point in this comprehensive assessment.
The increase in coastline length brings India’s maritime boundary to a scale much closer to its land border, which measures 15,106 km. This necessitates enhanced coastal surveillance, improved marine infrastructure, and robust resilience planning under national security frameworks.
The revised coastline now encompasses inshore islands that were previously unaccounted for. This includes islands that connect to the mainland during low tides or via infrastructure such as bridges and roads. India now officially recognizes 1,389 islands, comprising 91 inshore and 1,298 offshore islands.
The updates to the coastline will require revisions of existing Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) maps, which were based on earlier assessments. This change could significantly affect:
Yes, disaster preparedness and mitigation strategies, which were based on the old coastline data, will need to be recalibrated. This is particularly crucial for states that are vulnerable to sea-level rise, storm surges, and cyclones.
A study conducted by the National Centre for Coastal Research in 2018 indicated that from 1990 to 2016:
States like Gujarat and Odisha experienced significant new land formations, exceeding 60 sq km.
The Coastal Protection and Development Advisory Committee (CPDAC) first recommended this recalibration in 2010, which received approval in 2023. This reflects the increasing importance of India's coastal domain in national planning.
The Government plans to implement a 10-year review cycle to keep the coastline database updated with advancements in technology and evolving environmental conditions.
Q1. What is the new official length of India's coastline?
Answer: India's coastline is now officially measured at 11,084.50 km, reflecting a 47% increase from the earlier length of 7,516.60 km.
Q2. Why has the coastline length changed significantly?
Answer: The change is due to a shift in mapping methods, using a more detailed scale that captures finer features like bays and inlets.
Q3. Who was responsible for the recalibration of the coastline?
Answer: The recalibration was led by the Survey of India, utilizing modern GIS technology and satellite imagery for accurate measurements.
Q4. How does the new coastline length affect maritime security?
Answer: The longer coastline necessitates improved coastal surveillance and infrastructure, enhancing overall maritime security.
Q5. What new features have been included in the coastline assessment?
Answer: The revised length now includes previously unaccounted inshore islands and features linked to the mainland at low tide.
Question 1: What is the revised official length of India's coastline?
A) 10,084.50 km
B) 11,084.50 km
C) 12,084.50 km
D) 13,084.50 km
Correct Answer: B
Question 2: Which organization conducted the recalculation of India's coastline?
A) National Centre for Coastal Research
B) Survey of India
C) Ministry of Environment
D) Coastal Protection and Development Advisory Committee
Correct Answer: B
Question 3: What scale was previously used for mapping India's coastline?
A) 1:1,000,000
B) 1:4,500,000
C) 1:500,000
D) 1:250,000
Correct Answer: B
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