Revised length: 11,098 km (previously 7,516 km), a 3,582 km increase (48%).

• Primary cause: Higher-resolution data (1:250,000 scale vs. 1:4,500,000) and GIS technology capturing coastal curves.
• Coastline Paradox: Exact length is immeasurable; finer scales yield longer measurements due to irregular terrain.
• Island count: 1,389 total islands (1,298 offshore + 91 inshore), resolved via standardized classification (previously ambiguous).
• Measurement mandate: Now required every 10 years to account for erosion, land reclamation, and technological advances.
• Drivers: Inclusion of omitted islands, tidal ambiguities, and reconciliation of state/central agency data.
• Implications:
  • Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) management.
  • Climate resilience planning (erosion, sea-level rise).
  • Security and infrastructure development.
    The Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) is a legal framework under India’s Environment Protection Act, 1986, classifying coastal areas into four zones (CRZ-I to IV) - Governing Law: Implemented under the Environment Protection Act (EPA), 1986.
• Core Objective: Protect coastal ecosystems (mangroves, coral reefs) while enabling sustainable development.
• Zone Classification:
  • CRZ-I: Ecologically sensitive areas (e.g., mangroves). No development except strategic projects.
  • CRZ-II: Urban areas. Construction allowed only landward of existing roads.
  • CRZ-III: Rural areas. CRZ-III A (dense population): limited development; CRZ-III B (sparse): low-intensity projects.
  • CRZ-IV: Water areas (creeks, backwaters). Regulates fishing, tourism, and infrastructure.
  • 2019 Amendments:
  • Reduced No Development Zone (NDZ) from 200m to 50m for densely populated areas.
  • Permitted temporary tourism structures (beach shacks).
  • Special provisions for critically vulnerable coastal areas (e.g., Sundarbans).