Odisha

Location

South-east India coast, has a coastline that stretches over 480 kilometers along the Bay of Bengal.

Distinctive coastline

6 deltas ‘Hexadeltaic’ region or ‘Gift of the Six Rivers’.

1435km² mangrove forest.

Physical factors affecting rate of erosion

• Wave Action & Longshore Drift – The high-energy waves of the Bay of Bengal cause continuous sediment movement, leading to coastal erosion.

• Storm Surges & Cyclones – Odisha is prone to frequent cyclones which generate strong winds, high tides, and storm surges, leading to severe erosion

• Heavy Rainfall – Heavy rains increase river discharge into the ocean, washing away coastal sediments.

Human factors affecting rate of erosion

Deforestation of Mangroves – The destruction of mangrove forests (e.g., Bhitarkanika) weakens the natural buffer against sea waves.

Sand Mining – Excessive sand extraction from beaches and river mouths reduces natural protection against erosion.

Urbanization & Infrastructure Development – Expanding coastal settlements and industries alter natural coastal dynamics.

Impacts of erosion

Loss of Coastal Land – Shrinking coastlines and submergence of villages.

Displacement of Communities – Thousands of coastal residents are forced to migrate due to land loss.

Threat to Agriculture & Fisheries – Saltwater intrusion reduces soil fertility, affecting farming and fishery-dependent livelihoods.

Tourism Loss – Beach erosion affects tourism hotspots like Puri and Chandrabhaga

Opportunities for Human occupation

35% of coastline has significant minerals e.g. clay and limestone to north.

Many people employed in fishing and aquaculture such as shrimps.

Flat land for settlement.

The state’s rich cultural heritage, including the Jagannath Temple at Puri, the Chilika Lake, and several beaches, makes Odisha a popular tourist destination

The fertile soils created by river deltas are beneficial for farming.

Risk for human occupation

Rates of erosion increased in recent decades through natural processes and human intervention.

Risk of storm surges from tropical cyclones (climate change).

Odisha is highly vulnerable to tropical cyclones, particularly during the monsoon season

As a low-lying coastal region, Odisha is susceptible to flooding from heavy rainfall, cyclonic storm surges, and sea level rise.

Management- ICZM:

ICZM aims to:

Establish sustainable economic and social activity

· Resolve challenges and conflicts

· Protect the coastal environment

Involve stakeholders eg:

o Fisheries Department, Odisha Tourism Development Corporation, Greenpeace India

· Major issues that have been identified:

o Vulnerability to disaster (especially cyclones), Pollution and environmental quality management

Management: Resillience building

adopting climate-resilient practices, including the construction of elevated houses, disaster preparedness drills, and improved communication systems.

Management : Mitigation

reducing carbon emissions, afforestation of coastal areas, and sustainable fisheries management. Renewable energy, particularly solar and wind, is also being promoted as part of the state’s broader environmental strategy.

Management: Adaptation

use of natural defenses, such as mangrove restoration and beach nourishment, to protect communities from erosion and storm surges

climate-smart agriculture, such as drought-resistant crops, also supports long-term food security in coastal areas.

Management: Sustainable management

1435km of mangrove forests.This acts as a buffer therefore the energy of wave is dispitated and sediment is trapped here. This causes an increase in the coastal zone so creates a stronger buffer. It also creates an area for fishing and farming for locals