India’s coastal zone should be viewed as an integrated space of ecology, security, economy, technology, and human development: Dr. Jitendra Singh

Dr. Jitendra Singh, National Security Advisor and coastal policy expert, recently said on a forum that India’s more than 7,500 km of coastal area must be recognized as an integrated space of ecology, security, economy, technology, and human development. He explained that existing coastal regulations, such as the Cross‑Regional Zone (CRZ) rules, are primarily focused on environmental protection, while the growing security challenges, impacts of climate change, and opportunities of the Blue Economy in coastal areas still need to be integrated holistically. In this context, he said that naval surveillance, anti‑piracy measures, and water boundary management for coastal security should be coordinated with ecological protection to ensure sustainable use of marine resources.

Dr. Singh also highlighted that India’s coastal economy requires the development of sea‑based industries—such as fisheries, shipbuilding, marine energy, and tourism—alongside the integration of technologies like digital mapping, autonomous navigation, and marine data science. He pointed out the ongoing “SagarMala” initiative and the update of the National Maritime Policy, stating that these initiatives should not be limited to infrastructure development alone but should promote the health, education, and employment opportunities of coastal communities. Thus, by adopting a comprehensive coastal management model, India can not only protect coastal ecosystems but also strengthen national security and accelerate economic growth.