Proposed Ports Gravely Threatens Coastal Beauty, India
Human interference and construction activity such as port building along the Orissa’s shoreline, have gravely accelerated the rate of beach erosion. An assessment on the Orissa coast, showed long-term shoreline change for a period of 38 years from 1972-2010. Thirty seven percent of the state’s 480km coastline is exposed to sea erosion.
However, India aims to pour $60 billion into ports by 2020 under a drive to spur the fastest growth in more than two decades.
” Galloping capital flow into coastal infrastructure development will see a port built every 32 km along India’s 480kms’ coast. The most serious and direct implication is aggravated coastal erosion, which will deprive local communities of the beaches on which their lives and livelihoods depend.” The Impact Of Ports
According to The Hindu Business News “Fear of beach erosion has gripped many fishermen living in coastal villages in Ganjam district, Orissa coast. Gopalpur Port authorities, however, denied the allegation on the beach erosion was taking place due to the construction of the port inside the sea.”
WATCH: Two Youtube Videos from NDTV from the series “Save India’s Coast”
Save India’s Coast:
Proposed port threatens coastal beauty, Orissa
The natural beauty of Astaranga will be completely altered as the Orissa government has given approval for a port to be constructed here. For centuries, the endangered Olive Ridley turtles have been coming to this island during the nesting season to lay their eggs…
Save India’s Coast:
Orissa’s coastline Erosion Impacts
Excerpts; NDTV
If Orissa’s coastline continues to erode, agricultural yields will be affected and people will be forced to move to already overcrowded cities. Apart from the ethical, environmental and socio-economic implications, this is bound to take a toll on GDP growth, which is often the justification for policies such as the hap-hazard sanctioning of ports.
Erosion: Threat to Orissa Coast, The Hindu Telegraph
Fear Of Beach Erosion, The Hindu Business Line
India To Pour $60 Billion Into Ports By 2020
