Bhubaneswar: Growing coastal erosion and the threat posed to villages along the Ganjam coast have raised concerns over the need for urgent and coordinated action by the government and elected representatives.

The issue came into focus at the 'Punascha Pruthibi' programme organised by 'Sambad' and 'Kanak News' at Aryapalli in Chhatrapur block of Ganjam district. Collector Keerthi Vasan V attended the programme as the chief guest and inaugurated the event.

Over the past few years, several coastal villages have faced the impact of sea erosion, with the sea gradually engulfing inhabited areas. The silting of the Rushikulya river mouth has added to concerns over the changing coastal environment.

Addressing the gathering, the Collector said climate change has emerged as a major challenge, and Ganjam’s coastline is facing increasing risks. The disruption of mass nesting of Olive Ridley turtles and coastal erosion at Aryapalli are among the warning signs of the changing environment.

The official said the district administration and the state government are taking the issue seriously. A project proposed by the National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT) is expected to be implemented to address coastal concerns. He also said positive discussions have taken place on the issue of possible relocation of vulnerable communities.

'Sambad' and 'Kanak News' Editor Tanaya Patnaik spoke on the challenges posed by climate change.

Over Rs 300 crore coastal protection project proposed

A discussion on the government’s approach towards protecting the Ganjam coast followed the inaugural session. Chikiti MLA Manoranjan Dyan Samantara and Chhatrapur MLA Krushna Chandra Nayak participated in the discussion and responded to questions on coastal protection.

MLA Nayak said a detailed project report (DPR) for coastal protection worth more than Rs 300 crore has been submitted to the government for approval. He said he would continue to raise the issue as a public representative and work towards protecting Aryapalli and other vulnerable coastal areas.

MLA Dyan Samantara stressed the need for cooperation and coordination among stakeholders to protect the coastline. He suggested that leaders from both the ruling and opposition parties should come together on the issue.

He also proposed a joint discussion involving the Chief Minister and MLAs from Chikiti, Gopalpur, Berhampur, Chhatrapur and Khallikote to chalk out measures for coastal protection.

Focus on climate risks and livelihoods

Two more discussion sessions were held as part of the programme. Environmentalist Meena Kumari Tahal, social worker Simanchal Nahak, Dakshina Foundation’s Chandragiri Pratima and Odisha Traditional Fishermen Association's K. Aleya discussed the climate-related risks for Ganjam.

The final session focused on the Ganjam coast, livelihoods and the blue economy. Chhatrapur Additional Sub-Collector Parthasarathi Hansdah, Additional Fisheries Officer (Marine) Debidatta Mohanty and educationist Ranjan Mahapatra participated in the discussion.

Environmentalist Subas Maharana of Berhampur was felicitated during the event for his contribution towards environmental protection.