India’s coastline has grown by 47.6%, from 7,516 km in 1970 to 11,098 km in 2023-24. The increase is due to the adoption of new methodologies for measuring coastal features.

Comparison: Old vs. New Measurement Methodology

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Coastline Changes by States and UTs

• States/UTs with Significant Growth

  • Gujarat: Increased from 1,214 km (1970) to 2,340 km (2023-24).
    • Accounts for the largest absolute growth in coastline length.Retains the position of the state with the longest coastline.
  • West Bengal: Percentage increase of 357%, from 157 km to 721 km, marking the highest growth in percentage terms.
  • Tamil Nadu: Revised length increased to 1,068 km from 906 km, overtaking Andhra Pradesh.

• States/UTs with Minimal or Negative Changes

• • Kerala: Recorded the smallest increase, adding only 30 km (5%).
  • Puducherry: The coastline shrank by 4.9 km (-10.4%), due to erosion and recalculation.
• Tamil Nadu vs. Andhra Pradesh: Tamil Nadu now ranks higher than Andhra Pradesh in coastline length after the new measurement.
• Puducherry’s Contraction: Shrinkage attributed to erosion and refined calculations, contrasting the general trend of coastline growth elsewhere.

Impact of Coastline Expansion

• Economic Development
• • Ports and Infrastructure: Andhra Pradesh is developing ports like Ramayapatnam, Krishnapatnam, and Kakinada Gateway to boost logistics, industrialization, and employment.
  • Maritime Economy: Coastal states and UTs are leveraging expanded coastlines for enhanced maritime trade and tourism.

• Biodiversity and Environmental Considerations
• • Expanded coastline data aids in better conservation of coastal biodiversity.
  • Improved mapping supports monitoring coastal erosion and accretion.
• Policy and Planning: Accurate coastline data is crucial for maritime security, infrastructure planning, and disaster preparedness.

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Geographical Coverage of India’s Coastline

• Regions: Bordered by the Bay of Bengal (east), Indian Ocean (south), and Arabian Sea (west).
• States and UTs:
  • Coastal states: Gujarat, Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, and Bengal.
  • UTs: Daman & Diu, Lakshadweep, Puducherry, and Andaman & Nicobar Islands.

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