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Odisha Coastline Eroding: 28% Under Threat
16 Aug
Summary
- About 28% of Odisha's 564-km coastline is eroding.
- Jagatsinghpur is the most erosion-prone district.
- Government builds climate resettlement colony for displaced people.
Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal revealed that about 28% of Odisha's 564-km coastline is experiencing erosion, based on a 2023 NCCR study. This NCCR study, monitoring shoreline changes from 1990 to 2022, found 28.3% of the coast eroding, 17.6% stable, and 54.1% accreting.
Shoreline changes are driven by natural forces and human activities, with Odisha being particularly susceptible to cyclones. Six coastal districts—Ganjam, Puri, Jagatsinghpur, Kendrapada, Bhadrak, and Balasore—face erosion. Jagatsinghpur is most affected, with 47.6% of its coastline eroding, followed by Ganjam (45.7%) and Kendrapara (45%).
Rising sea levels and climate change have already submerged 16 villages in Kendrapara, displacing hundreds. The Odisha government has created a climate resettlement colony for those affected. Measures to combat erosion include geotextile tube embankments at Pentha village and sea wall-cum-serving roads in Balasore and Ganjam districts.
