India’s coastline expands by 47.6% in over 50 years

India’s coastline has undergone a substantial revision, expanding by 47.6% over the past five decades, as reported by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).

  • The coastline, which measured 7,516 kilometers in 1970, has increased to 11,098 kilometers in 2023-24, reflecting a growth of 47.6%.

Causes for revision

  • This significant change stems from advancements in measuring techniques that account for complex coastal features such as bays, estuaries, and inlets, providing a more detailed and accurate representation of the nation’s shoreline.
  • The updated methodology, developed under the guidance of the National Maritime Security Coordinator, replaces the older straight-line measurement approach with a system that captures the intricacies of India’s diverse coastal morphology.
  • This change has not only improved the precision of coastline measurement but also reshaped the understanding of India’s maritime geography, highlighting the dynamic and evolving nature of its coastal regions.

Key Highlights:

  • Gujarat: Recorded the most significant absolute expansion, with its coastline nearly doubling from 1,214 kilometers in 1970 to 2,340 kilometers in 2023-24.
  • Bengal: Experienced the highest percentage increase, with its coastline expanding by 357%, from 157 kilometers to 721 kilometers.
  • Tamil Nadu: Surpassed Andhra Pradesh in coastline length, growing from 906 kilometers to 1,068 kilometers.
  • Kerala: Reported the smallest increase, adding just 30 kilometers (5%) to its coastline, growing from 590 to 620 kilometers.

(Source: TOI)

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