Coastal Erosion Threatens Astarang – Danger Looms Over Coastal Settlements
Kakatpur (Tushar Dixit), 04/10:
Due to climate change and global warming, rising sea levels are leading to rapid coastal erosion. As a result, vast stretches of seashore are disappearing, putting coastal communities at risk. Over the past decade, the shoreline from Astarang to Puri has seen significant degradation. The absence of proactive administrative intervention and lack of permanent solutions have caused fear and anxiety among local residents, especially in the village of Dalukania under Astarang block.
Particularly in Sahan, Dalukania, Chhenua, Tandahara, and Keutajanga, the sea is aggressively breaching the coast, eroding the land. Areas like Devi and Keluni river mouths, once characterized by fertile soil and vegetation, are now flanked by natural sand dunes that once acted as protective barriers. This region is notable for its fertile clay soil, a mix of patua (fiber) and chikita (fine clay), which supports unique biodiversity and faunal diversity that is not commonly found elsewhere. These features once played a key role in protecting the ecological balance of the coastal region.
The natural saline forests that formed along the coast are rapidly vanishing, contributing further to erosion. Additionally, holes forming in the sand dunes are causing the land to sink into the sea. Experts visiting to assess the cause of erosion often focus solely on tidal surges rather than acknowledging the geo-chemical characteristics of the region. Some researchers suggest that the high silica content in the sand helps create a strong subsoil layer (silica pan), which can resist damage from sea waves.
This highly sensitive zone includes not only world heritage sites but also densely populated areas. Despite this, human negligence toward natural coastal systems has led to portions of the beach being swallowed by the sea, posing a serious threat to human habitation.
Conservation of coastal sand dunes, creation of thick saline forests, protection of marine sanctuaries, construction of strong sea barriers, and planting of salt-resistant grasses are essential. Increased administrative attention in these areas can help prevent coastal disasters and protect against further erosion.
Environmental youth activist and UN Youth Advocate of India, Soumya Ranjan Bishwal, emphasized that only through such focused efforts can the coast be safeguarded from the mounting threats of erosion and climate-related devastation.
