All Things Policy The Significance of India's Coastline Delineation
May 21, 2025
Vice Admiral S K Jha, former Chief Hydrographer of India, discusses the dramatic increase in India's coastline from 7516 km to 11098 km. He emphasizes how accurate coastline measurement is vital for maritime security and resolving territorial disputes. Modern technology like satellite imagery has revolutionized delineation techniques, impacting trade and environmental conservation. Jha also underlines the complexities of maritime jurisdiction, stressing the importance of compliance with international regulations for India's economic and security interests.
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Importance of India's Coastline
- India's coastline is a dynamic region where land, sea, and air interact constantly.
- This area supports significant population, economic activities, and environmental functions such as carbon absorption and oxygen production.
Measuring the Coastline Precisely
- Coastline measurement combines high-tech and manual methods for accuracy and detail.
- Surveyors use GPS, satellite imagery, and ground inspections to define shoreline and jurisdictions.
Coastline Defines Maritime Jurisdictions
- The coastline baseline determines maritime jurisdictions under UNCLOS.
- Disputes like India-Pakistan's Sir Creek and China's South China Sea claims hinge on baseline definitions and territorial waters.