Increase in India’s Coastline Length

Context

The Ministry of Home Affairs, in its 2023–24 report, updated India’s coastline length to 11,098.8 km, a considerable increase from the formerly recorded 7,516.6 km.

Coastline Paradox

• The coastline paradox states that the length of a coastline relies upon the size at which it’s measured. The more particular dimension (smaller ruler), the longer the coastline appears.
• Euclidean Geometry: Deals with best shapes and instantly lines/easy curves, where length is straightforward.
• Fractal Geometry: Coastlines exhibit fractal-like homes, that means they show self-comparable patterns at different scales. This idea was popularized by Benoît Mandelbrot.
• Hypothetical Infinity: Theoretically, measuring a coastline down to the dimensions of a water molecule could result in its length drawing near infinity.

New Measurement Methodology and Technology

• Agencies Involved: National Hydrographic Office (NHO) and the Survey of India.
• Finer Scale: Electronic navigation charts at a much finer resolution of 1:250,000.
• Technologies Used: Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Satellite Altimetry, LIDAR-GPS & Drone-based imaging.
• Measurement Reference: Highwater traces organized by the NHO based on 2011 information on digital navigation charts. River mouths and creeks were closed off at a set inland threshold.
• Inclusion of Islands: Islands exposed at low tide had been also protected in the evaluation.
• Future Revisions: The coastline length may be revised each 10 years from 2024-2025, ensuring continuous accuracy.

Implications of the Revised Coastline Length

• • Disaster Management and Climate Adaptation: India’s east coast is prone to cyclones (e.g., Fani, Yaas) and tsunamis.
    • Accurate coastline records improves early warning systems, evacuation route planning, CRZ (Coastal Regulation Zone) zoning.
    • Supports climate vulnerability tests and resilient coastal infrastructure development.

• Economic Zoning and Blue Economy Expansion:

• • • Influences the computation of India’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).
    • Extends reach over marine fisheries, deep-sea mining, bioprospecting, and offshore energy.
    • Enhances viability of Sagarmala, coastal business corridors, and port-led growth models.
    • Coastal Governance and Urban Planning

• Better data helps:
• • coastline management plans
  • Urban zoning legal guidelines
  • Port placement and dredging
• Helps states like Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Gujarat, and Odisha optimize coastal investments.

Challenges and Way Forward

• Dynamic Nature of Coastlines: Coastlines are continuously converting because of tidal fluctuations, sedimentation, erosion, and sea-level rise. Regular revisions are critical.
• Inter-corporation Coordination: Continued collaboration among agencies like the NHO, Survey of India, and different relevant ministries (e.g., Ministry of Earth Sciences, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change) is crucial.
• Technological Upgradation: Continued funding in advanced technology for mapping and monitoring is essential.
• Capacity Building: Training and capability building for personnel involved in coastal management and security.

Source: The Hindu

UPSC Mains Practice Question

Q. Comment on the resource potentials of the long coastline of India and highlight the status of natural hazard preparedness in these areas. (2023)

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