CURRENT AFFAIRS
CURRENT AFFAIRS
Description
India’s coastline has recently undergone a significant revision, not because of any physical changes on the ground, but due to the use of more advanced and accurate measurement technologies. The newly assessed length of the coastline reflects an increase of nearly 50%, offering critical insights for governance, development, and strategic planning.
Updated Coastline Figures
Until recently, India’s coastline was officially listed at 7,516 kilometers, based on data collected during the 1970s. However, with the adoption of cutting-edge measurement tools and updated methodology, the revised coastline length now stands at 11,098 kilometers, adding 3,582 kilometers to the previous figure. This revision is attributed to enhanced data precision, not geographical expansion.
Technology-Driven Improvements
The older calculations relied on broad-scale maps, typically at a scale of 1:4,500,000. These maps smoothed over many coastal indentations, resulting in shorter coastline estimates. Today’s assessments utilize a much finer resolution scale of 1:250,000. In addition, Geographic Information System (GIS) technology has replaced manual measurements, offering highly detailed and reliable data. These technological upgrades enable the capture of every curve, inlet, and contour of the shoreline with unprecedented accuracy.
Understanding Coastline Paradox
This sudden increase in coastline length illustrates the "coastline paradox" a geographical concept which suggests that the measured length of a coastline depends on the scale of measurement. The smaller the unit of measurement, the longer the coastline appears, due to the greater number of details accounted for. This principle not only applies to coastlines but also to rivers, mountain ranges, and other natural formations.
Reevaluation Of Offshore Islands
India has also revised its official count of offshore islands. A 2016 evaluation had identified 1,382 such islands. However, due to inconsistencies among different government bodies, a fresh standardised survey has now confirmed 1,298 offshore islands and 91 inshore islands, bringing the updated total to 1,389 islands, excluding those located within river systems.
Impacts Of Revised Measurements
While the increased coastline length may not reflect a physical change, the implications are practical and strategic. The updated data supports more precise planning for:
Coastal Zone Management (CZM)
Environmental regulation and conservation
Maritime security and defense operations
Disaster risk assessment and response strategies
Infrastructure and developmental planning along the coastal belt
These updates may also influence amendments to the Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) norms, particularly concerning construction, erosion control, and land-use management.
Need For Regular Monitoring
Given the dynamic nature of coastlines affected by erosion, sedimentation, sea-level rise, and human development India has now institutionalized a 10-year reassessment cycle for coastal and island mapping. This aligns with global best practices, as countries worldwide increasingly depend on updated geospatial data for climate resilience and sustainable coastal development.
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