Berhampur: After the alarming sea erosion at Podampeta in Odisha's Ganjam district, the coastline near Aryapalli, close to Chhatrapur, is now witnessing a similar situation, causing fear among the locals.

According to reports, the sea was merely 50 metres away from the habitation. Residents fear that if the ongoing rainfall continues, the situation could worsen.

Following reports of the erosion, Chhatrapur MLA Krushna Chandra Nayak visited Aryapalli to assess the situation. He interacted with locals and reviewed the extent of the erosion.

Around 3,000 fishermen, along with people from other communities, live in Aryapalli panchayat. Villagers said they have repeatedly urged the government to construct a guard wall and stone revetments to protect the coastline from erosion. However, no permanent protective measures have been taken so far.

They attributed the erosion to rising sea levels and the impact of climate change.

In an effort to find a long-term solution, the Odisha government had signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Chennai-based National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT) on August 10, 2022. As part of the initiative, an expert team visited Aryapalli on January 19 this year and conducted a detailed scientific study.

The team carried out offshore surveys by boat and examined wave patterns, sea currents, tidal activity, beach elevation and the movement of marine sand. Based on the findings, the required technical inputs and coastal protection designs were submitted to the Water Resources Department.

However, no permanent coastal protection work has been implemented. With the sea continuing to inch closer to the village, residents have once again appealed to the government to take immediate steps to prevent further erosion and safeguard lives and livelihoods.