Over 25% of Odisha’s Coastline Faces Severe Erosion: Union Minister

More than 25.6% of Odisha’s 549.5 km coastline, spanning 140.7 km, is experiencing significant erosion due to powerful waves, according to Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Kirti Vardhan Singh. In a written response to the Lok Sabha, the minister confirmed that a considerable portion of Odisha’s coastal stretch is vulnerable to erosion, posing environmental and economic challenges.

The National Center for Coastal Research (NCCR) has reported that across India, 33.6% of the coastline is eroding, while 26.8% is witnessing accretion (growth), and 39.6% remains stable. These findings highlight the urgent need for coastal conservation efforts to mitigate the impact of erosion on coastal communities, marine ecosystems, and infrastructure.

To address this, the Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change (MoEFCC) has enforced Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) Notifications aimed at preserving the fragile coastal environment while ensuring the livelihood security of fishing and local communities. The ministry has directed coastal states and Union Territories to incorporate Shoreline Management Plans (SMPs) within their Coastal Zone Management Plans (CZMPs) to strengthen erosion control measures.

Organizations like the National Center for Sustainable Coastal Management (NCSCM) and NCCR, under MoEFCC, are providing technical expertise and support to coastal states for implementing protection strategies in vulnerable regions. These agencies are actively involved in designing and executing shoreline management plans to safeguard affected coastlines and mitigate further environmental degradation.

With erosion threatening a significant portion of Odisha’s coastal belt, the focus on sustainable coastal management has become more critical than ever. Efforts to strengthen conservation and protection strategies will be key to safeguarding Odisha’s coastline for future generations.