Chapter - Two Inventory and Outline of Coastal Orissa 2.1 INTRODUCTION The Orissa coast is 480 km long and extends from Balasore in the north to Ganjam in the south (17° 48' -22°34'N to 81°24' -87°29'E). The diverse configuration, topography and conditions found in the coastal plain of Orissa are due to its varied physiographic features and dynamic coastal processes. Natural hazards have highly influenced the land-use activities and human settlement in coastal Orissa. The coastal natural systems in Orissa are essentially a prograding and depositional coast, endowed with six major estuaries. The Mahanadi, Brahamani and Baitarni rivers have formed large compound delta that define coastal region of Orissa. It is not only bestowed with rich diversity but also accounts for 8% of the total coastlines of India. Mangroves and sea grasses provide vital breeding, nursery and feeding areas for a number of marine species which largely contribute towards the commercial fishery of the states. The bountiful coastal area encompasses the unique Chilka lagoon (Asia's largest brackish water lagoons) and Bhitrarkanika (India's second largest mangrove forest) one of richest and diverse mangrove ecosystems endowed with largest rookery of Olive Ridely (beach at Garirmata), and is the largest repository of estuarine crocodiles. The Orissa coast, in general aligns oblique to prevailing winds and waves that generate strong northerly littoral current. This coastal plain has been formed from older alluvium as well as newer alluvium of recent origin. The entire eastern limit consists of a monotonous plain with landforms formed by fluvial, fluvio-marine, aeolian and marine processes. The along shore sand transported in Orissa compares to the highest transport rates in the world, withiri order of 1 million cubic meter of sand transported per year to north of Paradip (Govt of Orissa, 1974). Tidal variation is less than 2 meters and the coastal features are wave dominated in the southern part of the Orissa coast (south of Mahanadi river). As a result, geomorphic features such as Barrier Island, spits, coastal lagoons, beach ridges and swales have formed in this part of the coast. Natural land features of the make this perfect system for irrigation and drainage. Soils are very fertile and are of very high agricultural value. Because of rich 30 I Page
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Chapter - Two
Inventory and Outline of Coastal Orissa
2.1 INTRODUCTION
The Orissa coast is 480 km long and extends from Balasore in the north to Ganjam in
the south (17° 48' -22°34'N to 81°24' -87°29'E). The diverse configuration,
topography and conditions found in the coastal plain of Orissa are due to its varied
physiographic features and dynamic coastal processes. Natural hazards have highly
influenced the land-use activities and human settlement in coastal Orissa. The coastal
natural systems in Orissa are essentially a prograding and depositional coast, endowed
with six major estuaries. The Mahanadi, Brahamani and Baitarni rivers have formed
large compound delta that define coastal region of Orissa. It is not only bestowed with
rich diversity but also accounts for 8% of the total coastlines of India. Mangroves and
sea grasses provide vital breeding, nursery and feeding areas for a number of marine
species which largely contribute towards the commercial fishery of the states. The
bountiful coastal area encompasses the unique Chilka lagoon (Asia's largest brackish
water lagoons) and Bhitrarkanika (India's second largest mangrove forest) one of
richest and diverse mangrove ecosystems endowed with largest rookery of Olive
Ridely (beach at Garirmata), and is the largest repository of estuarine crocodiles.
The Orissa coast, in general aligns oblique to prevailing winds and waves that
generate strong northerly littoral current. This coastal plain has been formed from
older alluvium as well as newer alluvium of recent origin. The entire eastern limit
consists of a monotonous plain with landforms formed by fluvial, fluvio-marine,
aeolian and marine processes. The along shore sand transported in Orissa compares
to the highest transport rates in the world, withiri order of 1 million cubic meter of
sand transported per year to north of Paradip (Govt of Orissa, 1974). Tidal variation
is less than 2 meters and the coastal features are wave dominated in the southern part
of the Orissa coast (south of Mahanadi river). As a result, geomorphic features such as
Barrier Island, spits, coastal lagoons, beach ridges and swales have formed in this part
of the coast. Natural land features of the make this perfect system for irrigation and
drainage. Soils are very fertile and are of very high agricultural value. Because of rich ----~-.-.-.----.
30 I Page
agricultural and economic conditions, the coastal region of Orissa is thickly populated
(density 300-500 person per km2). The region is also most developed part of the state
of Orissa, supporting 36% of the total population and 43% of urban population
(Mohanty et. aI., 2008). Due to the river systems, it contains the fertile soil and is
best known as the "Rice Bowl" of the State. The objective of this chapter is to
document the dynamics and configuration of coastal system of Orissa. It also tries to
asses the economic damage caused by natural hazards and the need for Integrated
Coastal Zone Management (ICZM) for coastal Orissa.
2.2 DATA BASE AND METHODOLOGY
The required data and basic information on coastal natural system features of Orissa
were collected from direct field survey using DGPS. The changes were monitored
through observations and secondary data (LISS, TM, ETM, toposheets and physical
maps). Digital image analysis of the above data was accompanished using PC-based
image analysis through ESRI ARCGIS 9.2 and Erdas 8.7 software. Analysis in this
chapter is mainly descriptive along with presentations.
2.3 PHYSIOGRAPHY
Physiography of coastal plains, including the river deltas have been studied earlier by
several researchers such as Niyogi (1970, 1975), Sinha (1971, 1981, 1999) Rao et al
(1978), Mahalik (1984) and Mahalik et al(1996); The physiographic province
embraces the combined six deltas in which the rivers have failed to develop true
deltaic characteristics (as far as shape is concerned) because of the strong offshore
current which moves from Chennai to Andhra coast and passes further to Orissa coast.
In order of contribution of the rivers to the formation of coastal deltaic plain in Orissa
are the Mahanadi, the Brahamani and the Baitarni, besides the flood plains of the
Subarnekha, the Budhabalanga and the Rushikulya. These are divided into five plain
sections. i.e. a) Balasore coastal plain and Baripada coastal plains which are partly
erosional and partly aggredational, b) the Bhadrak plain, an alluvial plain formed by
the Baitarni and the Salandi, c) the Chilika plain adjoining the Chilika lake, d) the
narrow Ganjam coastal plain which appears to be on the erosional surface merging
eastwards imperceptibly within a narrow belt of marshy land, e) the sand dunes near .-.-.------------ .... _-- --_._._----_._---_. __ .... _ .. _--_ ... _._._---_ .... __ . __ ._. __ .. - ".--------- _ .. __ .. _ ...... _---" ..... _-- .... _-_.- _. - - - -- -- ----- -.. - --
31 I Page
the sea shore. Hence the Orissa coastal plain can be demarcated as area lying between
the shore and eastern limits of the Eastern Ghats. Considering the location, the
situation of the apex of the delta heads of the rivers, the geology and geomorphology
of the area, 20 meters contour line can be conveniently accepted as the western limit
of the Orissa Coastal plain. It runs nearly parallel to the coast except a few westwards
inverted 'v' shaped penetrations along the river valleys with a width varying from 50
to 100 kilometres. The western boundary of the coastal plain has been suitably
adjusted to the administrative boundary of units which are prone to natural hazards
from the sea (Figure 2.1).
-----_ .. _----_._-------------32 I Page
~ O'O"E
2" 30'0"14
2" 0'0"14
20 30'0"'"
20 0'0"'"
I I
I I
I I
I I
~ 30'0"E
I I I
I
I I
I I
I I
I I
~A NJAM
85 O'O"E 85 ')O'O"E
--- ---
911 O'O"E 9I1 ')0'0"E 870'O"E 87 )O'O"E
---N
A 2'1°30'0"
---------------
0 510 2030 40 j!!j H Kll omtt.,.
2" '0'0"1'1
2()" JO'O"
20'"0'0" 1'1
11)" )0'0"
19 0'0"'" L...,... ___ ......;=-r-____ ...,. _____ "'T-----'T"-----~-~~-_,-----"'T----...Jr ·I\1 U'O"t; i i
Figure 2.3 Geomorphic division in coastal zone of Orissa (complied from Mahalik, 1984)
This plain contains the river mouths which have orientations parallel to the coast.
Most of the tidal channels are also oriented parallel to the coastline. The present
deltaic front is characterized by development of prominent spits, offshore bars and
islands which are gradually accredited to the land and add to the areas of the younger
deltaic plain and delta itself. The mouths of the rivers have changed their positions
with time as clearly observed around Mahanadi and Debi mouth. Spits and bars have
enclosed bodies of water separating these from the sea giving rise to host of lakes at
different times, some are dead and buried while other are in different stage of
evolution. There had been lakes around Pottamundei and Ersama which are already
obscure. The Sar Lake is almost dead. The existing lakes are Chilka, latadharmuhan
and Hukitola. This sector corresponds to the coastal saline tracts and is not suitable
for agriculture. The areas of human interest in this tract of delta are Puri and Konark
temples in vast beach sand, temples in sand dunes (Bali Harchandi), Bhittar Kanika, a
famous tidal swamp with mangrove forest, Gahairmatha beach, famous for the Olive
Ridely tortoise and the famous Chilka Lake, a centre of attraction for the tourists.
2.5 GEOLOGICAL FORMATIONS
The coastal plains of Orissa are predominantly occupied by the Tertiary and recent
alluvium. Patches of Archaen Gneiss and sandstone of the Gondwana periods are
found along the western margin of the coastal plains (Wadia, 1970). Ancient
crystalline rocks, in particular, the khondolites occur as isolated peaks within and at
rims of the Mahanadi delta. These . are seen in . the north-west in Lalitgiri hill,
Haridihipahar, Alamagiripahar, laluka hill, Chhatia hills and Mahabinyak Hills; on
the south-west at Dhauligiri, Rengal hills and Kumondal hill. Most of the basement is
made up of the Archaean crystalline as found in many bore-holes drilled for the
ground water development (GSI, 1985). The western boundary of the northern coastal
plain in Mayurbhanj district coincides with patches of Dharwarian rocks. The
Khandlites and Charnokite rocks occur along with patches of laterite in NE-SW trend
along the Eastern Ghats mountain range, lying just on the western flank of the
Chilka lake. Next in the age are upper Gondwana sedimentary rocks found
extensively in delta head, and to its north and south. These are represented by red
sandstones (locally called as "Athagarh Sandstones") and shales in the form of . __ ._. __ . __ .. _---_._-_ .. _----_._-_._. __ ._-_ ..•. _--_. 37 I Page
hillocks. The Oligocene and lower Miocene deposits occur in the beds of
Budhabalanga river south of the Baripada town. These are mostly estuarine and
marine sediments hidden beneath, and are seen only in bore holes underlying the
recent deltaic sediments. The rock includes a group of fossiliferous limestone, sand
stones and clays. Similar deposits have also been located in the "Samagara Pata and
Sar Lake" area, north of Puri town. Laterite is an important lithology, extensively
found along the western margin of the coastal plain from the north to south. It is
formed from both the Eastern Ghat Crystalline rocks as well as from the Gondwana
sedimentary rocks by the gradual process of weathering and leaching under the
prevailing conditions of the tropical climate. These laterites may be of Middle to
Upper Pleistocene age (Niyogi, 1970, 1975). The stratigraphy of the lithologic
formation observed in the coastal plain is presented in the Table 2.1.
Khurda formations Laterites Middle to upper Pleistocene
Miocene to Mio-Pliocene
Baripada beds Marine and Estuarine sediments
10 - 25 m. years
Athgarh Formations Sand stone, shale, Fire Clay Upper Jurassic 200 m. years
Khondalites, Charnokites, Archean, 2000 - 3200 m. Eastern Ghat Group
Gneisses Amphibolites years
Source: Delta Development Plan, Vol. IV, I & P, Dept., (1985), Orissa, Bhubaneswar.
38 I Page
Deltaic riverine sediments have been deposited spanning the entire Holocene period
overlying all the above lithologic types (I & P, 1985). These are further classified into
older and younger alluvium. Extensive sand deposits in form of ridges have been
evolved by the strong south-west winds.
Structure of the basement of the coastal tract is highly obscured by the thick
alluvial sediments deposited by the rivers. However, some information has been
complied for the basement of this relief from the bore-holes of the Central Ground
Water Board. Recent findings using seismic survey in the Mahanadi Delta reveals that
there are coastal depressions in the Mahanadi Delta where the depth of sediments vary
from 1000 to 2500 meters, and the basement crystallines are found below the deltaic
alluvium with an uneven topography. Presence of fossilferous limestone and fossil
shells in the northern section of the coastal plain in Balasore district indicates former
existence of marine environment much in land. Extreme thickness of sediment is piled
up in this section probably indicates that the basin is sinking with the thick sediment
over burden. Present process of land reclamations and formation of muddy coast zone
in Subhamamekha and Budhabalanga sectors provide evidence of the thick sediment
accumulation by rivers, and northward moving littoral drift in the northern part of the
coastal plain.
2.6 SOIL TYPES
The soil characteristics of the region is determined by relief, vegetation, parent rock
material, nature and the characteristics of the erosional activity in the region and
various soil forming process. Broadly, the coastal plain can be put under alluvial soil
but depending on the age of formation, composition and texture, the soil of the coastal
plain are grouped into five major categories, i.e., the aeolian soil, saline soil, alluvial
soil, lateritic soil and black soil.
The aeolian and sandy soils normally occur along the coast from Gopalpur in
the south to Dhamra mouth in the north, along a narrow inland stretch of about 5
kilometres from the shore. The deposition of wind blown sand is a characteristic
feature of the region in the form of longitudinal sand dunes fonned under the
influence of the' so'utherly· wirids. The aeolian soils are norma11y associated with beach
39 I Page
ridges and sand dunes which are under afforested casuarinas and cashew-nut
plantations. The belt of sand dunes and aeolian soil gradually merge west ward with
alluvium into the saline soil. This belt extends all along the coast with an average
width of 10 to 15 kilometres from the aeolian belt. This zone of saline soil coincides
with the belt of estuaries and creeks, belt of ill-drained areas and swamps across
which sea ~ater intrusion takes place during the high tide, turning the soil saline. This
zone is little wider in the Mahanadi-Dhamra sector where the tidal inundations
penetrates much inland across the inlets and tidal creeks from the shore.
The alluvial soil extends over the greater part of the coastal plain. It consists of
coastal alluvium along the coast under the fluvial and marine activity and riverine
alluvium occurring along the flood plains of the river. In terms of age of origin, the
new alluvium extends 20 to 25 kilometres inland to the coast. The old alluvium occurs
to the west of this belt in higher grounds and levees adjacent to head-ward region of
the coastal plain. The lateritic soil is found along the western margin of the region as
residual product of the decomposed igneous rocks of the Eastern Ghats in Cuttack,
Puri and Ganjam districts. Black soil occurs in small patches to the west of the Chilka
Lake with lime, magnesium and alumina content. It has originated from the
weathering of basic igneous rocks. However, depending on the clay continent of the
soil, the soil of the coastal region has been given local name like Matal (stiff clay),
Chikita (strong clay), Dorsha (mixture of sand and clay), Balia (sandy), Patu (silty
clay or loamy soil), Pankua (sandy clay with decayed organic matter) and Khari soil
(saline).
2.7 GROUND WATER CONDITIONS AND WATER TABLE
The soil and the sub-soil condition of an area determine the nature and characteristics
of the seepage contributing to the ground-water availability and the depth of water
table. Normally a high water table during the heavy rain and flood stage of the rivers
create adverse conditions of water logging and drainage congestions. The extensive
alluvial tracts of the Orissa coastal plain get sufficient surface runoff from the local
rain as well as from the contributing channels. The sub-soil in this coastal and deltaic
area is characterized by the presence of the unconsolidated sediments down to
considerable depths. The thickness of the alluvium varies from 50 meters in the --_._---- .. __ ._--_ .. _------- ... _.-_._._---._--.. _-_._-----------_. 40 I Page
regions close to the erosional plain of the western margin to 1,000 meters approaching
the coast. These formations are soft, porous and unconsolidated. The geo-hydrological
study of the ground water resource of the Lift Irrigation Department has revealed that
the unconsolidated sediment include four to six layers of the granular zone occurring
at different depths from the ground level and holds the charge of surface water (Lift
Irrigation Deptt., 1995).
Greater part of the coastal plain is in water table depth ranging from of 2 m to
4 m during pre-monsoon period. During the rainy season, the water table approaches
the ground surface and remains within 1 m depth, but in low lying areas, the water
table rises above the ground level. Such high water table in the coastal plain is due to
the good net work of the deltaic rivers and the distributaries which bring sufficient
flow of fresh water. The low-lying areas are mostly the swamps which also contribute
towards the recharge.
The study areas represent a very interesting geological set-up compnsmg
mostly of the Holocene sediments with hillocks of Pre-Cambrians metamorphic. The
western boundary of sedimentary horizons is mostly represented by rocks outcrops of
the Eastern Ghats and the Gondwanas. Most of the study area contains a thick cover
of Holocene sediments of fluvial, marine, lacustrine and aeolian types and hence,
surface geological features have been completely obscured. Absence of the
Pleistocene rock exposure has resulted due to the Holocene on overlap due to marine
transgression.
2.8 TIDAL EFFECT
The coastal tracts of Orissa are exposed to impact of astronomical tides. Abnormally
high tides are called storm surges. The astronomical tide generally increases in height
as one proceeds from south to north in Orissa coast. At Chennai the rise is 0.9 m,
whereas it is 2 m in Paradip, which further increases to 3.7 to 4 meters in Hoogly. The
tidal swells enter through the estuarine rivers, drains, tidal creeks, lagoons, swamps
and tidal flats wherever connected with the sea. Tidal section of major rivers and their
distributaries in coastal Orissa extend to an average distance of 30 to 35 kilometres
upstream of the mouths. However, these tidal sections vary as per their shape, depth
41 I Page
of channel and extension of sand bars along the river mouths. In the coastal plain,
tidal bores enter into Brahmani up to 90 kilometres upstream. Mahanadi is tidal for
about 35 kilometres whereas Devi, a distributary of Mahanadi is tidal for 45
kilometres.
Tidal water propagates into the rivers and estuaries in the lower reaches.
Specifically during the rainy and monsoon season, the tidal swell at river mouth act as
barrier, reduces the flood slope and hence prolongs the duration of floods. With the
onset of Southwest Monsoon, the sea becomes rough and storms produce high tides
and surges. Normally, the high floods in coastal plain are associated with the passage
of cyclonic storms from Bay of Bengal. The storm surge are generated off-shore by
difference in barometric pressure, superimposed on astronomical tides and lead to
very high sea level and inundates coastal plains:· The conditions become devastating
when the river flood coincides with storm surges. The high tides not only prolong
flood durations, but also create drainage congestion with filling of the low 'pat' lands,
swamps and marshes adjacent to the coast. Beside this, the tides during the summer
and winter months, under certain favourable conditions tend to form bars at the
mouth, depositing the suspended materials which prevent the flood water disposal and
create ideal conditions for the rising of the river bed.
2.9 ACTIVE RIVER CHANNELS AND DISTRIBUTARIES SYSTEM
As mentioned earlier the coastal plain is drained by rivers such as the Mahanadi, Brahmani,
Baitarni, Budhabalanga,Subarnarekha,. Rushikulya and. many other smaller streams along
their distributaries (Samal, et ai, 1988). This region has evolved due combination of several
deltas of varied sizes and shapes, formed by the major rivers of Orissa. Therefore, the coastal
plain of Orissa is called the "Hexadeltaic region" or the "Gift of Six Rivers" (Mohanty et. ai,
2008). It stretches along the coast of the Bay of Bengal having the maximum width in the
Middle Coastal Plain (the Mahanadi Delta), narrow in the Northern Coastal Plain (Balasore
Plain) and narrowest in the Southern Coastal Plain (Ganjam Plain). The North Coastal Plain
comprises the deltas of the Subarnarekha and the Budhabalanga rivers and bears evidences of
marine transgressions. The Middle Coastal Plain is comprised of the compound deltas of the
Baitarni, Brahmani and Mahanadi rivers and bears evidences of past 'back bays' and present
lakes. The South Coastal Plain comprises the lacustrine plain of Chilka lake and the smaller
delta of the Rushikulya River.
42 IPage
2.9/ The Mahanadi
It is the largest river of Orissa, and the sixth largest river of India. It originates from
the Amarkantak hills of the Bastar Plateau in Raipur district of Chhattisgarh. It is
about 857 kilometres long (494 kilometres in Orissa) and with catchment area spreads
over 141,600 km2 (65,580 km2 in Orissa). The river carries on an average about
92,600 million m3 of water annually.
2.9// The Brahmani
It is the second largest river in Orissa. It originates as two major rivers i.e. Sankh and
Koel from the Chhotanagpur Plateau of lharkhand and both confluence at Veda Vyasa
near Rourkela of Sundargarh district of Orissa forming the main River Brahmani. It
flows through the Easter Ghats in Sundargarh, Kendujhar, Dhenkanal, Cuttack and
Jajpur districts and enters into the Bay of Bengal through a combined mouth of
Mahanadi known as Dhamra. The Brahmani is 799 kilometres long (541 kilometres in
Orissa) and with a catchment area spread over 39,033 km2 in Orissa.
2.9/// The Baitarni
It originates from the Gonasika hills of the Keonjhar district and 365 kilometres long
with a catchment area spread over 12,790 km2• It enters into the Bay of Bengal after
joining of the Brahmani at Dharma mouth near Chandabali Subarnrekha.
2.9/V The Subarnarekha
It originates from the Chhotnagpur plateau of Jharkhand. It is 433 kilometres (70
kilometres in Orissa) and has a catchment area of 19,500 kilometres (3,200 kilometres
in Orissa) with a mean annual flow of 7,900 million m3 discharge.
2.9V The Budhabalanga
It originates from the eastern slopes of the Similipala massif. It is about 175
kilometres long having a t~tal catchm~nt area. ~f 4840 krrl2 with an annual flow of
2177 million m3. Its other tributaries are the Sone, Gangadhar, Catra etc.
43 I Page
2.9VI The Rushikulya
It originates from the Rushyamala hills of the Eastern Ghats in Phulbani district. It is
165 kilometres long with 8900 km2 of catchment areas. Its tributaries are the Baghua
the Dhanei Badanadi etc. It has no delta at its mouth.
2.9VII The Bahuda
It originates from the Ramgiri hills of the Eastern Ghats in Gajapati districts and joins
the bay of Bengal in Andhra Pradesh. Its length is 73 kilometres long and having a
catchment area of 1250 km2.
2.10 CLIMATE:
The climate in coastal Orissa is mostly mega thermal type in the thermal regime. In -
the moisture regime, the climate is either moist sub humid or dry sub-humid type.
There are four seasons experienced in Orissa; winter (December to February),
summer (March to June), rainy season (June to September), and autumn (October to
November). The rainfall in coastal districts of Orissa is mostly contributed by the
monsoon depressions during the south west monsoon season (June-September) and
due to cyclonic storms during the post monsoon (October-November). It is recorded
that mean annual rainfall in coastal region of Orissa is 150 cm, whereas mean annual
rainfall for India is 120 cm, and 80 cm for rest part of the world. The maximum
rainfall occurs between July to October. The co-efficient of variation of annual
rainfall is 20%. Annual evaporation over Orissa is 200. The mean daily temperature
recorded is 15°C (January) whereas the mean maximum temperature is 35°C (May).
Moderate wind with mean daily speed of 10 kph (January) to 20 kph (July) is
common. The effect of sea is well pronounced in this region. During a cyclone, the
storm surges are effective in shaping the landforms. On an average, the area
experience 60 thunderstorms annually. There are regular occurrence of cyclone and
floods.
44 I Page
2.11 COASTAL ECOSYSTEM
Coastal zone ecosystem is an important area for biological and economic productivity,
storm protection and erosion control at the same time they are fragile in nature. The
coastal Orissa is endowed with many coastal zone ecosystems, such as estuaries,
coastal lagoons, mangrove forests, largest rookery of Olive Ridley and largest
repository of estuarine crocodiles. In addition, mineral resources of the beach, fishing
harbours and the port also constitute an important component of coastal ecosystem of
Orissa. Their productivities are crucial to local, regional and global environment.
These coastal ecosystems are under severe stress from economic development, rapid
population growth, urbanization and migration of Bangladeshi to the coastal area. The
sign of deterioration is already sensed which has resulted adve:rse impact on
ecological functions.
2.12 ECOLOGICALLY SENSITIVE AREAS OF ORISSA COAST
The ecologically sensitive areas and areas of extraordinary natural beauty are included
under CZM- I, where no activity is allowed. Management plans for these areas could
be prepared by scientific institutions which would be then approved by the NCZMA.
Necessary guidelines for the purpose of planning and managing these areas shall be
the addressed by NCZMA. The approved plan could then be implemented by the
concerned StatelUT authorities. Such a· management strategy would ensure the
sustainable development and management of coastal environment. The Institute for
Ocean Management has identified the following sites under the category of
ecologically sensitive areas (Table 2.2).
Table 2.2 Ecologically sensitive coastal areas identified in Orissa coast (10M, 2002)
District Site Ecological Importance Geographic Area in Location kml
Ganjam and Chilka Lake Lagoon 19° 28'-19° 54'N 1165 Puri 85 °05'- 85 38'E
Balukhand Reserve forest, Breeding and 19° 49-19° SO'N 9.32 spawning ground for reptiles 85° 51-85° OO'E
including turtles. Kendrapara Rushikulya Estuary, Breeding and spawning 19° 22'-19° 24'N ---
Total 106.73 12.69 9773 24792 628378 809990 1463160
Source: White paper on 1999 Super Cyclone, Government of Orissa (2001)
61 I Page
Pre-cyclone Post-cyclone
,.1, ... (' " lOr.'" 1 ~ · ,. q , l " " ·91 ,1.;", .. ' ~ ' I I ~ fl l') ~~ C 'I ':.h) l l ~ S J'f:Io .l<: 11"' .1 C! 1":-. 1C \4J iF 'S I I ,. ~ Il r·~b<'- ' I ~~~, l ~ .. ... N,.. oI t '-t)o!o" ' \,I';'" ' . . ... " --
... .. ,.
Plate 2. J 0 Pre-cyclone and post-cyclone satellite image of 1999 Super Cyclone
2.19 Socio-Economic Profile of Coastal Districts of Orissa
Table 2.8 socio-economic profile of coastal districts of Orissa
General Facts
Location 19°N to 22° N and 84°.45' E to 87°. 20'E
Total Geographical Area 3,19,52,000 hectares (20.52 % of Orissa)
Total Forest Area 622898 hectares
Total Coastline 480km
Brackish Water Area 5,23,000 hectares along Bay of Bengal
Chilka Lake 1000 hectares
Demographic Profiles
Population 16224038 (44.19% of Orissa)
Male 8261261
Female 7962777
Population growth rate 1.69% per annum (greater than average growth rate of Orissa 1.59 %)
Density of population 500 per Sq.km. (greater than average of 236
Literacy Rate 78.4 % (greater than average 63.61 %)
Male 85.26 % (greater than average 75.95%)
Female 63.8 % (greater than average 50.97%)
Rural Families Below Poverty Line 61.01 % (just below average 66.37%)
Scheduled Caste 8.42 %
Scheduled Tribe 1.82 %
Resources
Agriculture
........... -
63 I Page
Net shown Area 1664 thousand ha
Irrigated Area 1332 thousand ha
Forest
Total Forest Area 6, 22,909 hectares
Reserved Forest 2,54,731 hectares
Demarcated and Protected Forest 99,786 hectares
Un-demarcated Forest 1, 34,572 hectares
Unclassified Forest 723 hectares
Others 133097 hectares
Production of Fish
Fresh Water 53126.07 M.T.
Brackish Water 13347.96 M.T.
Marine Water 121088 M.T.
Infrastructure
Power
% of Villages Electrified 92.98
Transport & Communication
Roads and Railway Lines
National Highway 681 km
State Highway 1278 km
District Roads 1560Km
Total Railway Route 674km
Ports
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Major Port Paradip
Major Port coming up Gopalpur and Dhamra
Airport Bhubaneshwar
Major Tourist Spots
Sea Beaches: Puri, Konark, Gopalpur, Paradip and Chandipur
Major Historical Places Puri, Konark, Bhubaneshwar, Lalitgiri and Chilka Lake
Wild life Sanctuaries
Vitarkanika Crocodile Sanctuary
Nalabana Bird Sanctuary
Satapara Dolphin Sanctuary
Balukhanda Deer Sanctuary
Gahiramatha Olive Ridely Turtle Breeding ground
2.20 CONCLUSION
The coastal zones of Orissa are under tremendous pressure directly and indirectly
from human interference and also from climate induced natural disasters. The human
interferences are in form of developing infrastructure, fisheries, aquaculture, ports,
harbours and settlements. The most damaging oceanographic episode that coastal
inhabitants of Orissa can face is a cyclone with a combination of wind, waves, storm
surge and flood either from Ocean or from rivers or heavy rainfall. Transformation
that appear prominent during the last two decades are loss in coastal vegetations,
especially mangrove forest, degraded coastal lagoon ecosystem, decline in mass
nesting and high mortality of Olive Rideley turtles, formation of sand spits and
shoreline changes near estuaries. This phenomenon of environmental stress, leading
eventually to environmental degradation, appears inevitable and is expected to
continue unchecked if some short- and long-term measures are not implemented
without delay. The coastal resources and their apparent changes and threat suggest
that the existing conservation measures and management practices are inadequate to .................. _ ..... _ ............. _..... . .............. _ ............. _ ......................... _ ...... _ ..... .
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protect the vast coast line and coastal resources of Orissa. For the last few decades,
the productive coast of Orissa has also been experiencing signs of degradation due to
siltation and overexploitation of natural resources. Further the laws that exist are not
effectively enforced. People of Orissa depend heavily on the Sea for their livelihood.
There are some important locations which virtually control the cultural tradition of the
state. Some hot-spots such as Bhirtrakanika Wildlife Sanctuary, Chilka Lagoon, Sun
Temple of Konark, Jagannath Temple of Puri, Dolphins of Chilka attract tourist not
only from the country but also from all over the world. The Government of Orissa is
seeking a loan of 100 crores from World Bank for mitigating the rising threats of
coastal erosion. Therefore it is necessary to develop a strategy for sustainable
development to protect environmental sensitive coastal zone of Orissa. These issues
provide an opportunity to prepare an Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM)
incorporating natural, socio-economic and environmental indicators. A further
problem preventing effective sustainable management of natural and physical
resources are due to lack of cooperation among various departments involved in
enforcing legislation applicable to coastal conservation. There it is imperative to
constitute a vibrant coastal zone management authority with spatial data infrastructure