India’s coastline has been officially recalculated from 7,561 km to 11,098.81 km, reflecting an increase of 3,537.21 km, or nearly 50%. This significant change stems from a new calculation methodology, as outlined in a circular from the Union Shipping Ministry.
Since the 1970s, the coastline’s length has remained static at 7,561 km, with various government departments citing different figures. In 2019, the Coastal Protection and Development Advisory Committee began reviewing these discrepancies, which have been ongoing since 2010.
The earlier measurements were likely based on outdated scales, estimated at 1:4,500,000, while the new data is calculated at a more precise scale of 1:250,000. Variations in measurement scales can lead to significant differences in coastline length.
Additionally, the revised figure incorporates offshore islands and islets that were previously overlooked. Coastal states and Union Territories have collectively endorsed this updated measurement, marking a crucial adjustment in India’s geographical data.
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