Odisha to come up with plan to develop coastal areas

With coastal erosion emerging as a major problem in the state, the Odisha government has decided to prepare a long term integrated plan to ensure sustainable development of coastal areas and eco-supportive management of coastal resources.

The decision was taken at the first State Level Steering Committee meeting presided over by chief secretary A P Padhi on Friday.

"The long term perspective plan for 20 years would be prepared after observations over a period of 15 months involving an investment of Rs 12 crore.

"The plan would include the entire gamut of action ranging from shoreline erosion to natural disaster management, from preservation of eco-sensitive zone to sustainable developmental activities and building up a resilient environment for the people," Project Director, Integrated Coastal Zone Management Project (ICZMP) Dr Ajit Patnaik said.

Stating that Odisha would be first state in the country to prepare such a plan, Patnaik said the expert agency IPE Global had been involved in the exercise to bring in international expertise and technical support for preparation of the perspective plan.

The Chief Secretary made a case for addressing the problems of coastline erosion, resilient eco-system and vulnerability of livelihood due to climatic changes. He also suggested appropriate stakeholder consultation in preparation of the plan and ensuring people's participation at different levels, he said.