The Odisha government has approved a livelihood action plan worth Rs 261 crore for regeneration of coastal ecosystem and to enhance climate resilience among people living on the coast.
The government has decided to implement this community based action plan from the current year till 2026-27.
The main coastal landscapes to be treated under the project and would include areas like Talsari in Balasore district, Bhitarkanika in Kendrapara district, Bahuda and Chilika in Ganjam district, and Devi Mouth, Chilika in Puri district.
Around 3,75,321 hectares of coastal area spread over 339 gram panchayats and five forest divisions would be included in the action plan.
The project would contribute towards the ongoing efforts of the state government in addressing the impacts of climatic hazards and disasters on the vulnerable coastal communities through popularisation of the climate adaptive livelihood activities, Nanda said.
Community based organizations, NGOs, eco-clubs, women self help groups and local village communities would be involved in the planning, execution and carrying forward of the intervention.
Earlier, a study had revealed that as many as 91 villages along the coast are highly vulnerable to the sea erosion while 85 others are prone to such incidents. A total of 318 villages spread over six coastal districts face the threat of sea erosion.
It was also decided to increase the density mangrove forest and seagrass for enriching costal eco-system to reduce the impact of tidal surge and storm, said additional chief secretary in-charge of revenue and disaster management secretary SB Sahoo.