Integrated Coastal Zone Management of Orissa coast - Gopalpur to

Chilika and Paradeep to Dhamara

State Project Report

Section I Project Context

A. State of (State) – A Brief Profile:

Orissa is a state located on the east coast of India, by the Bay of Bengal (Fig.1). It
was established on November 1, 1956, with the passing of the States Reorganization Act,
and consists, predominantly of Oriya speakers. Orissa has a population of 32 million. About
87% of the population lives in the villages and one third of the rural population does not own
any land other than homesteads. 25% of Orissa's population is tribal. The state has a very
opulent cultural heritage, one of the richest in India. The capital city of Bhubaneswar is
known for the exquisite temples that dot its landscape.

Fig.1. Map showing the State of Orissa and its coastline

Orissa is the ninth largest state by area and the eleventh largest by population.
Oriya is the official and most widely spoken language. Orissa has a relatively unintended
coastline of about 480 km long, but lacks good ports, except for the deepwater facility at
Paradeep. The narrow, level coastal strip, including the Mahanadi River delta supports the
bulk of the population. The interior of the state is mountainous and sparsely populated.
Deomali at 1672 m is the highest point of the state.

Orissa is home to the Hirakud Dam, one of the longest dams in the world. Orissa
has several popular tourist destinations. Puri, with the Jagannatha's temple near the sea,
and Konark, with the Sun Temple, are visited by thousands of tourists every year. The
Lingaraja Temple of Bhubaneswar, the Jagannatha Temple of Puri, the Sun Temple of
Konark and the Barabati Fort of Cuttack are important in the archaeological history of India.
The state has ecologically sensitive areas like Chilika lagoon, Bhitarkanika mangroves and
turtle nesting grounds at Gahirmata, Devi and Rushikulya river mouth.

Demographic Profile:
The population of Orissa is 36.805 million (Census of India, 2001) and the density of
population is 236 per km2 against the all-India average of 313 per km2 Orissa comprises
4.7% of India’s landmass and 3.58% of India’s population. Rural population in Orissa
(31.287 million) is much higher as compared to the urban population (5.517 million). The
decadal growth rate is 16.25 % as against 21.54% for all India, and indeed this has been
the third lowest growth rate of population among the major Indian states, higher than only
Kerala (9.42%) and Tamil Nadu (11.94%). Table 1 presents a cursory view on demography,
literacy, land-use and land-cover etc. of the Orissa state as per 2001 Census while Table 2
and Table 3 present for the coastal and inland districts of Orissa respectively. It is evident
that except for Khurda district (which includes the state capital city, i.e. Bhubaneswar) and
Cuttack district, most of the coastal districts have population density higher than the
population density of the inland districts. The scenario of population growth in the coastal
zone of Orissa is no different than other parts of the world.

Historical background of the coastal belts of Orissa indicates that during late 19th
century coastal areas were very sparsely populated due to frequent occurrence of cyclones
and lack of communication. The coastal strip of about 10 km width was full of jungles and
was inhabited by few fishermen villages. But at present the six coastal districts such as
Balasore, Bhadrak, Kendrapara, Jagatsinghpur, Puri and Ganjam support 36% of total
population and 43% of urban population. Thus, the rapid growth of population along the
coastal districts of Orissa has degraded the coastal ecosystems and has changed the
coastal land use pattern significantly.

Socio-Economic Profile:
Nearly 85% of Orissa’s population (31.287 million) live in the rural areas and
depend mostly on agriculture for their livelihood. Economy of the state is agrarian as almost
65.5% of the work forces are engaged directly and indirectly in agriculture sector.

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Contribution of agriculture and allied sectors to state’s economy is about 26%. Besides
agriculture and allied sectors, the State has also abundant mineral resources including
precious and semi-precious stones. It has also plentiful water resources. Planned
exploitation and optimum utilization of rich natural resources like mineral, land, water and
others including human resources holds the key to rapid economic development of the
State.

Education:

Education is an indispensable input for development of human resources. While the

overall literacy rate in 1951 was 15.8%, it was only 4.5% among females. The overall
literacy rate in Orissa has increased to 63.08% and that for males to 75.35% and that for
females to 50.51% as per 2001 Census. The state has shown an enhancement of 13.98%
during the period 1991 to 2001. The literacy rate of Orissa (63.1%) is close to all India rates
(64.8%). The literacy rate among scheduled caste is 55.53 % while it is 37.37 % among the
scheduled tribes. A major factor responsible for low educational level among females and
persons belonging to scheduled castes and scheduled tribes is the high drop-out rate at
primary school level, especially in the tribal and inaccessible areas. The state government
has set a target of 83.96% literacy rate and to reduce the gender gap to 15.1% by the end
of Eleventh Plan period.

By the end of 2002-03, there were 42,824 primary schools in the formal stream with
0.084 million teachers and enrolment of 4.608 million students. By the end of 2006-07,
while a rise in the number of primary schools to 46722 and number of teachers to 0.114
million have been observed; decline in the student enrolment to 4.485 million is a matter of
concern. The non-formal stream has been abolished with effect from 01.04.2001 and
Government of India has introduced Education Guarantee Schemes (EGS) and Alternative
and Innovative Education (AIE) Scheme in place of Non-formal Education. By the end of
2006-07, the number of upper primary schools in formal stream was 16,403 with 0.036
million teachers and enrolment of 1.817 million students. During 2006-07, 7408 high
schools were functioning in the State with 0.062 million teachers and enrolment of 1.352
million students.

Welfare of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes:

One of the major concerns of the State has been to accelerate the all round
development of scheduled tribes and scheduled castes who together constitute 38.66%
(STs 22.13% and SCs 16.53%) of the total population of the State as per the 2001 Census.
For historical reasons, this segment of the society has remained socially and economically
backward. Therefore, concerted efforts have been made under different Plans to bring

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them into the mainstream of development. The State Government is committed to the
development of these communities. Accordingly various special programmes and welfare
measures have been launched for their benefit, which include legal aid, rehabilitation of
victimized STs and SCs, housing facilities, establishment of special employment
exchanges, reservation in employment etc.

Women Empowerment:
Several welfare programmes are being implemented in the State for development of
women which constitute almost 50% of the total population. Welfare programmes include
setting up of women's training centers, provision of short stay homes for women,
rehabilitative services for women in distress, provision of old age pension etc. The female
literacy rate in the State has increased from 4.5% in 1951 to 50.51% in 2001. The
proportion of women to total employees in the organized sector has increased from 8.77%
in 1990 to 15.3% in 2005. On the other hand the percentage of women employees to the
total employees engaged in organized private sector declined from18.7% to 12.1 % within
the period from 2000 to 2005. During 2005, out of total of 0.745 million employees in the
organized sector, 14.9% were women, of which 90.1% were engaged in public sector while
9.9% were in private sector. To increase the number of women in private sector, 1/3rd of
the vacancies in the State Government Departments in Group B, Group C and Group D
services/ posts required to be filled up through direct recruitment, have been reserved for
women.

Poverty alleviation:
As per the estimates of Planning Commission available for the State, the
percentage of population below the poverty line was 48.01 in rural areas and 42.83 in
urban areas in 1999-00. During 2004-05, the percentage of population (39.9%) below
poverty line in Orissa was highest in the country as compared to all India level (21.8%).
This gives the State the dubious distinction of being the poorest State in the country. The
rate of reduction of poverty both in rural and urban Orissa is very slow. The state has taken
several measures to improve the quality of life and to reduce the extent of poverty,
particularly in rural areas. The Human Development Index (HDI), indicative of overall
human development, has improved from 0.345 in 1981 to 0.404 in 2001. The state
government has targeted to reduce poverty by 15% during 11th plan period. Several anti-
poverty and wage employment programmes are being implemented in the State since
1980-81 to create income generating assets and employment on daily wage basis for
identified beneficiaries of target groups so as to enable them to cross the poverty line.
These anti poverty programmes like Integrated Rural Development Programme (IRDP),
Development of Women and Children in Rural Area (DWCRA), Training of Rural Youth for

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Self Employment (TRYSEM), Supply of Improved Toolkits to Rural Artisans (SITRA),
Ganga Kalyan Yojana (GKY) and Million Well Scheme (MWS) have been merged into a
single new scheme called “Swarnjayanti Gram Swarozagar Yojana” (SGSY) with effect
from 1.4.1999. During 2002-03, 48,925 families have been assisted with income generating
assets under SGSY with an investment of 1095.7 million rupees. A centrally sponsored
scheme called “Sampoorna Gramin Rojgar Yojana (SGRY) has been constituted w.e.f.
25.09.01 by merging two wage employment generating schemes, namely JSGY and EAS.
The main objective of the scheme is to provide additional wage employment in rural areas,
ensure food security, create durable community assets and develop rural infrastructure.

Socio-economic vulnerability of coastal population:

It is seen that the people below poverty line, the fisherman families who are mostly
coastal inhabitants, the primary workers, single women families, disabled persons, the
children in the age group of 0-6 years and the aged are some of the most vulnerable
population to be affected by cyclones. They have neither the minimum capacities to
withstand the damage nor they have the economic support to recover from the losses
incurred in the hazards and come to normalcy as far as the securities of the basic living
needs are concerned. Similarly the other economic and institutional vulnerability remains
with the grass root level institutional infrastructure done at the community and Panchayat
level such as dispensaries, primary schools, village roads and plantation area, standing
Kharif crops which constitute the backbone of the rural economy and community support
system. Very often the village road networks get affected which deprive the communication
and linkage in the after math of the hazards and render the communities isolated from the
supply and linkage network. The limited community and Panchayat level resources can
hardly be sufficient for restoration and the problem continues as a vicious cycle

Employment Generation:
One of the main concerns of the state is the growing unemployment, particularly
among the educated youth. As per 2001 Census, total workers in the state were 14.276
million constituting about 38.79% of the total population of the state. In order to provide
employment opportunities to educated youths, government has framed a State Employment
Policy. Under the scheme, various wage employment and self employment schemes are
being implemented with special emphasis on generation of gainful employment
opportunities in the secondary and tertiary sectors.

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Economic profile:
Agriculture and allied sectors contribute a major share, i.e. more than 25% to the
Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP). The state is prone to various natural calamities
which drastically affect the agricultural production and hence the GSDP. For example,
record agricultural production in 2003-04 resulted in highest growth of 14.3% over previous
year. The GSDP has increased from 425270.7 million rupees in 1999-2000 to 637747.1
million rupees in 2006-07 registering an annual compound growth rate of 5.96 % over the
period. The per capita income of the state has increased from Rs. 13748/- in 2005-06 to Rs.
14371/- in 2006-07. Similarly, the Net State Domestic Product (NSDP) commonly known as
State Income increased from 161848.8 million rupees in 1993-94 to 218619.1 million
rupees (quick estimate) in 2002-03 at 1993-94 prices. Agriculture and allied sector also
contributed significantly (26%) to NSDP (at 1999-2000)

Agricultural productivity:
Paddy is the major cereal crop in the state and accounted for about 95% of the total
food grain produced during 2006-07. During the same period about 73.45 MT of food grains
were produced in the state. Due to population growth, the per capita availability of land in
Orissa has considerably gone down from 0.39 hectare in 1950-51 to 0.14 hectare in 2006-
07. Therefore, it is imperative to increase the yield rate of crops through improved
agricultural practices. The overall productivity of the sector is low due to traditional practices
being followed, non-uniformity of rainfall and frequent occurrence of natural disasters such
as cyclones, floods and droughts. Irrigation is one of the key elements in enhancing the
agricultural production in the state. Out of 6.165 million hectares of cultivable land, the state
has made target to bring 4.990 million hectares under irrigation. By 2006-07, about 2.813
million hectares of land has been brought under irrigation.

Fisheries and animal resources:

Fisheries production in the state has a unique assemblage of marine, brackish and
riverine origin. During 2006-07, the production was 0.342 million tons and is 5.1%
enhancement over 2005-06. To the total fish production of the state, the contribution of
fresh water, marine and brackish water were respectively 55.9%, 37.5% and 6.6%. The per
capita consumption of fish was 9.1 kg by 2005-06 and is below the recommended limit of
World Health Organisation (11 kg).
Animal resources play a major role in the economy of Orissa, particularly in the rural
areas. About 80% of rural households own livestock of different varieties and earn
supplementary income for the family. Livestock Census, 2003, reveals that the state has
24.022 million livestock of which 59.4% are cattle, 5.9% buffalo, 7.3% sheep, 24.9% goats

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and 2.4% pigs. Besides, the poultry population in the state was 18.995 million. The state
government has formulated a Livestock Sector Policy during 2002-03 to promote the sector
as an important agent in stimulating socio-economic development of rural poor.

Land use pattern:

Land use and land cover is important information for planning and development.
Table 1 below indicates the important land use pattern in the state during the period 2005-
06. Out of the total geographical area of 15571 sq km., 5813 sq km come under forest area,
443 sq. km are permanent pasture land, 392 sq km are culturable waste land and 482 sq
km come under miscellaneous trees and grooves. Pattern of land utilization in Orissa during
the year 2005-2006 is indicated below:

Table-1 Land use pattern

Category Areas in sq km
Forest area 5813
Permanent pastures 443
Culturable waste 392
Miscellaneous trees and grooves 482
Non-Agricultural use 999
Baren & Unculturable land 843
Current fallow 340
Other fallow 430
Net area sown 5829
Total Area 15571

Health infrastructures:
Health care system in the state has improved remarkably over the years. However,
the people in the rural and tribal areas of the state still suffer from communicable and
nutrition related diseases. In 2006, the birth rate in the state was 21.9 as against 23.5 at all
India level. The crude death rate during 2006 was highest (9.3) in Orissa as compared to
the all India level (7.5). The infant mortality rate (IMR) in 2006 was 73 as against the all
India value of 57. The state however, has the target to reduce IMR to 37 during the 11th
plan period as compared to the national level target of 28. The maternal mortality rate
(MMR) in the state was 358 in 2001-03 as compared to the all India level (301). The state
has set a target to reduce the MMR to 119 by the end of 11th plan period while the national
level target is 100. Life expectancy at birth has increased from 58.6 years for male and 58.7
years for female in 1999-2003 to 60.3 for male and 62.3 for female during 2001-05.
By the end of 2005-06, there were 181 Hospitals, 231 Community Health Centres,
114 Primary Health Centres (PHCs), 1,164 PHCs (New) and 90 Mobile Health Units in the
State providing curative health services. In addition, there were 5 Ayurvedic Hospitals, 619
Ayurvedic Dispensaries, 9 Unani Dispensaries, 4 Homoeopathic Hospitals and 560

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Homoeopathic Dispensaries by the end of 2006. The state government is committed to
provide adequate qualitative preventive and curative health services to the people.

Industry:

With vast mineral resources, abundance of raw materials, comfortable power

situation and sufficient skilled manpower, the State has an immense potential for
industrialization. Large industries like Rourkela Steel Plant, National Aluminium Company,
Indian Charge Chrome Ltd., Paradeep Phosphate and coal based power plants at Talcher,
Kaniha and Banharpal have been set up in the State during different Plan periods. By the
end of 2002-03, Orissa had 358 large and medium industries with an investment of 35847.1
million rupees and employment potential for 85,777 persons.

By the end of 2006-07, 4556 micro, small and medium enterprises went into
production with total investment of 2711.4 million rupees and providing employment to
20,839 persons. 4476 small scale industries with an investment of 129678.6 million rupees
generated employment for 18760 persons. During 2006-07, 224 handicrafts co-operative
societies and 13015 cottage industries were functioning in the state.

Tourism:

Tourism is an important sector and has immense potential for employment

generation and to stimulate growth in the economy. Being a coastal state, it has beautiful
beaches and other tourist spots which attract tourists from India and abroad in large
number. During 2006-07, tourist arrival in the state was about 5.417 million including 0.039
million tourist from foreign countries. The inflow of funds to the state through tourist
expenditure was about 27710.6 million rupees during 2006-07, an enhancement of 14.4%
over 2005-06.

Export and import:

During 2006-07, goods valued at 106187.4 million rupees were exported to foreign
countries. Out of the total export, mineral and metallurgical products constituted about
50.8% and 37.9% respectively. Besides the above export, Paradeep port exported 216.85
MT goods valued at 192852.7 million rupees during the year 2005-06.

External Aid:
The state government avails financial assistance from international institutions such
as World Bank, Asian Development Bank, DFID etc. for implementation of Externally Aided
Projects (EAP). During Eleventh Five Year Plan and Annual Plan 2007-08, 29 projects (8

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ongoing and 21 pipeline projects) have been formulated to be implemented as EAPs with a
total outlay of 62380.5 million rupees (11213.3 million for ongoing and 55167.2 million for
pipeline projects).

Transport and communication:

Transport and communication is the basic infrastructural need for economic and
social development. The Industrial Policy 2007 accords special priority to infrastructural
development which in turn would facilitate large flow of funds in the industrial sector. The
state government has accorded high priority for an all round development in transport and
communication sector. The road length in Orissa was 0.237 million km. and railway route
length was 2287 km. at the end of 2005-06. The density of railway route length per
thousand sq km. area in the state is 14.7 km and number of railway stations are 225.
Lengths of different types of roads are indicated below (as on 2006-07):

Orissa has the only airport at Bhubaneswar which is under expansion/

modernization with the help of the Ministry of Civil Aviation, Govt. of India to meet the
demand of the tourists and commercial development. Besides, there are 13 airstrips and 16
helipads in the state for landing of small aircrafts and helicopters.

The postal services in the state are functioning well. By the end of 2006-07, there
were 8161 post offices in the state of which 7582 were in the rural areas. The number of
post offices in the state per 0.1 million of population stood at 21.2 and the number of post
offices per 100 sq km. of area at 5.2 as against 14.04 post offices per 0.1 million of
population and 4.7 post offices per 100 sq km. at all India level. The telecommunication
network in the state has also increased considerably due to government effort and also due
to private service providers.

B. Physiography of the State

Orissa extends from 17° 49’ N to 22° 34’N latitude and from 81° 24’–87° 29’E
longitudes on the eastern coast of India. It is bound by the states of West Bengal on the
northeast, Jharkhand on the north and Chhatisgarh on the west, Andhra Pradesh on the
south & Bay of Bengal on the east. Physiographically, the state can be divided into five sub-
divisions, e.g., the coastal plains, the middle mountainous country, the rolling upland, the
river valleys & the subdued plateaus. The coastal plains extend from the Subarnarekha in
the north-east to the Rushikulya in the south-west. This is narrow in the north, widest in the
middle, narrowest along Chilika Lake and broad in the south. From north to south, the
Subarnarekha, the Burhabalanga, the Baitarani, the Brahmani, the Mahanadi and the
Rushikulya are the rivers are responsible for its birth and growth of the coastal plain. In
general, the combined deltas of the Brahmani and the Baitarani are fairly stable in contrast

9
to that of the Mahanadi where the free delta formation is restricted by the strong littoral
current from the southwest. The delta development of the Brahmani is also obliterated by
the encroachment of the distributaries of the Mahanadi and the Baitarani from the south
and the north, respectively. According to locations, the coastal plains can be divided into
the following sub-regions:

a) The north coastal plains–the deltas of the Subarnnarekha and the Burhabalanga up to
the river Baitarani,

b) The middle coastal plains–the combined deltas of the Baitarani, the Brahmani and the
Mahanadi; and

The southern coastal plains – the Rushikulya plains

The Coastline:
Orissa has a coastline of about 480 km from extending from the River Bhauda in the
south to the river Subaranarekha in the north. The Orissa coast has bulged out in the
middle portion from Brahmagiri at Chilika lake in the southwest (SW) to Chandrabali in the
north north-east (NNE) where rivers the Mahanadi, Brahmani and Baitarani form a
combined delta. In this portion, the coast is convex while from Chandbali to the
Subarnarekha river mouth it is concave. If a straight line is drawn from Chandipur off
Balashore coast to Gopalpur, the recent delta formation in the Post-tertiary period in the
middle portion becomes quite obvious.
The protruding nature of the coast is quite evident. The bay-sandbars in the mouth
of the Chilika lake, Devi river mouth and on the left bank of the Mahanadi mouth and at
other rivers Kushabhadra near Konark and Rushikulya are the best examples. In the
Mahanadi mouth, the complex-spit with a number of hooks is formed due to the offshore
long current and the strong longshore drift during the rainy season when the load discharge
in the Mahanadi is the maximum. The high tidal prism keeps the mouths of the Devi, the
Mahanadi, the Brahmani and the Baitarani and the Rushikulya open to form estuaries. In
the north along Balasore the coast is crescent shaped embayment with inter tidal flat
development and the tidal regime is mesotidal is quite conspicuous. The salinity variation
along the Orissa coast is quite large (18-35 PSU). The climate in the coastal plain of 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. The rainfall in the coastal districts is mostly
contributed by the monsoon depression during the southwest monsoon season (June –
September), and cyclonic storms during post-monsoon (October-November) and pre -
monsoon (March-May) period. The rainfall pattern along coastal stretch indicates that it is
maximum in the north and gradually decreases towards south.

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The Lakes, Lagoons and Marshes:
The lakes in Orissa can broadly be classified as natural and artificial. The number of
artificial lakes is limited as only two reservoirs were in existence in the upper catchment
basin of the Rushikulya, one at Sorada and the other at Bhanjanagar. They are used for
irrigation purposes in the lower reaches of the Rushikulya in Ganjam district. The other
freshwater artificial reservoirs are formed at Cuttack by the construction of anicuts over the
Mahanadi at Naraj and Jobra and one on the Birupa river. Their number increased
considerably in the post-independence period and includes the Hirakud, again over the
Mahanadi at Sambalpur and Machhakund. Now perennial irrigation reservoirs have been
constructed over a number of rivers which are categorized either as major or medium
irrigation projects. The most important reservoirs are at Balimela on the river Sileru; Rengali
over the Brahmani; Mandira over the Sankh, a tributary to the Brahmani near Rourkela; and
upper Indravati in the river Indravati. Apart from these there are scores of medium irrigation
projects like the one at Hadagarh over the Salandi and the Poteru dam over the river
Potteru. Among the natural ones, Chilika, a brackish water lagoon is the most famous and
largest of its kind in India. (Fig2)

Fig.2. Satellite imagery showing Chilika lake

Chilika lagoon with high biological productivity is a nature’s bountiful and varied gift
of aquatic living resources to mankind. The shape of Chilika Lake is like a pear having its
wider end towards the north-east (NE) and the conical end towards the south-west. It is
about 72 km long (north to south) of which the northern half has a mean breadth of 32 km,
while the southern half tapers into an irregularly carved point barely averaging 8 km in width.
Being influenced by tidal influx from the sea and freshwater inflow from rivers and
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catchments, the sector, central, southern and outer channel sectors, which are
characterised with different spatial and temporal salinity pattern fauna. The lagoon has
been providing food and livelihood security to more than 1.5 lakh fishers living in its 132
peripheral and island villages.

The area of the lake fluctuates in different seasons. During dry weather, it
approximates to 891sq.km, whereas with the intensity and duration of the annual river
floods, and with the ebb and flow of tides its area extends to 1,165sq.km. It has an edge in
the Eastern Ghats which bring a huge amount of silt to the lake from the west. The deepest
part of the lake is at Kalijai Island. Chilika is one of the most important tourist spots because
of its natural beauty. It has also been declared a bird sanctuary by the Government of
Orissa and as Ramsar site of International Wetland of Importance. Numerous species of
birds migrate from Siberia to this lake during winter. It is famous for prawn and crab fishing
which have a good economic significance for the state. The average salinity of the lake
varies temporally and spatially and also indicates consistent seasonal mode, from almost
fresh (0 PSU) to 25 PSU in dry season. It has an artificial outlet (100 meters) to the Bay of
Bengal and maintaining the outlet open poses problems because of the strong littoral drift
along the coast.

Fisheries wealth of Chilika lagoon comprises of 323 species (updated record till
2002) which includes 261 fish species, 28 prawns and 34 crab species, from among the
large spectrum of fish species prawn and species only 11 groups from fish, 5 species from
prawn and only two from crab species are commercially important.

The lake Anusupa is another freshwater lake on the left bank of the Mahanadi
opposite Banki in Cuttack district. It is, in fact, an old ox-bow lake formed due to meander
shifting of the Mahanadi. There is a marsh, viz., Udyanakhanda, on the coast at Ichhapur
on the border of Orissa and Andhra Pradesh. The Sar lake & the Samagara pata along Puri
coast and the Tampara near Gopalpur port are some of the old lagoons initially cut-off from
the Bay of Bengal. They have been silted up to a great extent and now dry up during the
summer. The artificial Nua Nai cut in the Sar lake by the Irrigation Department has reduced
floods in the region.

Bays and Islands:

As the Orissa coast is primarily built-up or aggrading coast and in parts has been
uplifted, the absence of bays and inlets is conspicuous. Only one bay, Hukitola bay, off
Jambu Dweep has been formed because of the huge complex-spit formed to the north of
the Mahanadi estuary. It is being rapidly silted up by the suspended sediment brought down
by the Mahandi as well as the through alongshore transport.

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 There are only two islands off the Orissa coast, again off the Mahanadi estuary.
These are depositional islands. They are the Shortt’s island and Wheeler islands off
Maipura and Dhamra river mouths a few kilometers inside the Bay of Bengal. These two
islands may merge in due course as the Mahanadi delta advances by continuous silting.
They will then form part of the mainland.

Coastal Oceanographic features:

Oceanographic processes are least studied along the Orissa coast. The information
on beach profile, erosion/ deposition trend and the volume of sand deposited/ eroded on
specific part of the beach and the associated physical processes such as waves, winds,
currents, tides, coastal bathymetry, near shore sediment dynamics etc. are not available.
The information that is available is sporadic and for a short term duration over specific
areas only, i.e. for Paradeep, Gopalpur and Chilika mouth. Therefore, there is an urgent
need to have long term monitoring of oceanographic processes/parameters at some select
points along the coast line of Orissa to help assess the reasons of severe erosion, shifting
of inlet mouths and formation of sand spits etc.

Geologically and historically, the level of the sea surface determines the relative
position of a region’s shoreline. However, the climate and, to some extent, the forces of
gravity exerts modifying influences. The climate, through its wind regimes, and the waves
generated by those regimes at regional to local scales, are of fundamental importance in
the understanding of the processes that drive shoreline change. In certain coastal situations
the tidal regime (and its consequent tidal currents) is also important, particularly over broad
inter-tidal zones and in creeks and estuaries, and also where the spring tidal excursion is
high. Ocean currents usually have little direct physical influence in coastal waters.

Winds play an important role in the land-sea interaction processes. Wind blowing
over the water surfaces generates waves, which trigger various processes at the edge of
the ocean. Wind direction, particularly long-shore winds initiate near shore currents and
thereby littoral drift. Wind velocity intensifies all its impact, and strong onshore and offshore
winds contribute to sub-aqueous sediment transport through down welling and upwelling
currents. Onshore winds also trigger aeolian sediment transport, which combined with other
factors, such as sand size and coastal vegetation lead to loss of beach sand to coastal
dunes.

The most important variable involved in the character of beaches is the waves. For
a particular beach, waves may change in characteristics from day-to-day, whereas the
beach responds relatively slow to their attack except during period of storm waves. Wave is
one of the parameters that determine the general character of a particular beach at a
particular time. Beaches, which are exposed to waves from a variety of directions and of

13
heights and periods are much more complex in both plan and profile than those beaches
which are affected by less variable wave conditions. Locally generated waves generally are
referred to as “seas” and waves generated by a distant storm are referred to as “swells”.

When these waves break at an angle to the beach, the momentum of the breaking
wave generates onshore currents that flow in the direction of propagation of the breaking
wave and its bore. The pile up of water along the shore causes long shore currents flow
parallel to the beach inside the breaker zone (Fig.3). The water in the long shore current
returns seaward as rip currents. The near coast bathymetry plays a significant role in
altering the direction and velocity of wave induced currents.

Fig.3. Waves approaching a beach obliquely and the long-shore drift of beach sand in the
wave swash zone

Near shore Sediment Dynamics:

Sediment deposition in harbors, beach erosion and the coastal geomorphology are
intimately associated with sediment transport. The sediments move onshore-offshore and
along shore as either bed load or suspended load under the action of waves and currents
(Fig.4). Sediment movement perpendicular to shoreline (onshore-offshore) is responsible
for short-term beach changes whereas the along shore movement is important in causing
major long-term changes of the coastal zone.

14
Fig.4: Movement of Littoral drift under the action of wave approaching at an angle.

Some information on oceanographic processes which are available for Orissa coast is
presented below:

Wave Characteristics near Gopalpur Coast:

• Wave Types: Wave types are mostly plunging from June-December and surging
from January to May (Fig.5).

• Surf Zone Width: Surf zone width is maximum during July to October followed by in
March and April when the waves break offshore. During rest of the period the width
is as low as 50m.

• High Water Mark: From May to October, HWM is close to the reference point while
from Nov. to Feb. the distance is more

• Low Water Mark: The tourist beach at Gopalpur has maximum width during Nov.
and Dec. and minimum during Aug. to October. But the beach near the port has
maximum width during March to May.

15
 Wind rose

Wave Height rose

Fig.5: Wind and wave roses for Gopalpur coast

Long shore Sediment Transport and wave climate near Chilika Inlet
• The long shore sediment transport rate is northward throughout the year with the
maximum transport rate recorded at 19x104 m3 per month in May-June and the
minimum at 0.6x104 m3 in Dec-Jan. The long shore current velocity exceeded 0.8 m/s
in May and June, 0.4 m/s in March, April, July, Sept and 0.3 m/s during other months.
• Tides in the region are characterized by a mixed type; predominantly semidiurnal.
• The average spring tidal range is 2.39 m and neap tidal range is about 0.85 m
• The highest maximum wave height of 3.8 m was observed in December; The Zero
crossing period varied between 4 to18 seconds.
• Tidal Prism during July to October is absent. Tidal prism of 1.5x108 m3 is required in
order to accelerate the exchange of water between the lake and the sea and to
improve the flow in the lake.

16
• Tidal fluctuation rate in Chilika lagoon was about 0.2 m during non-monsoon period
and 1 m during monsoon period.

Sediment transport and wave-tide climate near Mahanadi River mouth:

• Mahanadi River deltaic coast is micro-tidal with a mean tidal range of 1.29 m.
• Tidal cycle is semi-diurnal
• Wave dominated coast during monsoon season while it is mixed wave and tide
dominated during non-monsoon period
• During south-west monsoon winds generate high waves of 3m or more which strikes
the shore obliquely and induce littoral/long shore drift 1.5 million cubic meter of sand
annually from southwest to northeast in the near shore regime.
• An average annual total sediment load of 29.77 million tons are carried by the river at
its delta head.
• The suspended load during the monsoon season enters the bay as a hypopycnal
buoyant plume extending up to 15 km and is also dependent on the hydrodynamic
conditions of the inner shelf.
• About 75,000 to 150,000 tons/ year of sand reach the shore through the river mouth
• Accelerated long shore transport of these sand helps building and prolongation of
Barrier Island spit system.

C. Coastal Resources/ Marine Areas of the State:

Orissa is known for its diverse marine wealth viz., Horseshoe Crab, Olive Ridley
sea turtle, the Irrawady Dolphin, thick Mangrove swamps, and rich commercial fish stocks.
The coast is bestowed with six major estuaries, India’s second largest mangrove forest
(Bhitarkanika sanctuary), Asia’s largest brackish water lagoon (Chilika Lake), uninterrupted
stretches of sandy beaches backed by high sand dunes supporting world’s largest
rookeries for the Olive Ridley sea turtle (the beaches at Gahirmatha, Devi and Rushikulya),
extensive non-vegetated wetlands and a number of minor fishing harbors and one major
port at Paradeep. The state has rich mineral resources such as alumina.

C.1 Living Resources

Marine Fisheries:
Marine fishery in Orissa is one of the important resources, which contribute
significantly the sustenance of more than 0.5 million-fisherman populations living in 329
fishing villages. While the continental shelf along the Orissa encompasses an area of
24,000 km2 up to 200m depth, fishing is mostly confined to 0–50m depth with an area of
15,470 km2. The Maximum Sustainable Yield is 1.6 MT and the capture varied from 1.1 to

17
1.2 MT in the years 2001-2005. There are about 62 fish landing centers along the coast.
The marine fish catch in the state has shown remarkable variability during the period 1985
to 2001. The fish catch has shown a steady enhancement from 1985 onwards to reach the
peak during 1997-1998 (156.081 tones) and a decline thereafter (Directorate of Fisheries,
2001). The major types of exploitable fishery resources are: (Table 2).

Resources MSY (mt)

Prawn 9,036.00
Pomfret 9,602.00
Hilsa 9,319.00
Polynemids 4,749.00
Clupeids 7,421.00
Sciaenids 34,857.00
Catfishes 10,276.00
Elasmobranches 12,839.00
Others 12,839.00
Total 160,931.00
Source: Fishery Survey of India, Mumbai
Table2. Marine fishery resources of the Orissa coast

The enhancement observed in other varieties of fish catch (Indian mackerel,

clupeids, Bombay duck, goatfishes, ribbon fishes, carangids, silverbellies, tunnies, seer
fishes and miscellaneous fishes) during the period is significant and could be due to
enhanced catch of miscellaneous fishes which are none target species and by-catch of
bottom trawling engaged for shrimp catch. Enhancement in fish landing of Prawn, Pomfret
and Elasmobranchs, the target species, during 1985 to 2001 could be attributed to their
high price, demand in the market and their export quality as compared to other varieties.
The factor that appears to have definite bearing on the enhancement of fish landings along
Orissa coast and raising the status of fishery, as the third revenue earner in Orissa is the
increased operation of mechanized boats (674 during 1985 to 5279 during 2001). It is well
known that tropical cyclones and floods create turbulence and high turbidity in the shallow
coastal waters and affect the behaviour of fish and their availability to fishing gear, resulting
in great variation in catch. It has been reported that for quite a few days after October 29,
1999 Super Cyclone of Orissa, shrimp catches were good (500 Kg/ day by a trawler) off
Chilika and later declined to 250 Kg/ day Except for such sporadic events it is difficult to
establish relationship between environmental changes and fish catch variability along
Orissa coast.

In the coastal region of the state, nearly 1500 mechanized boats and 3,500 country
craft are operating from fishing centers like Chandipur, Chudamani, Salugaon, Kalupadgha,

18
Pathar and Najari, where fishing jetties have been constructed. At Gopalpur, Dhamara and
Astarang all-weather fishing ports have been built while at Paradeep a large deep sea
fishing port has come up. Paradeep port has a capacity to support fleet of 50 deep sea
fishing vessels and 500 mechanized boats.

Aquaculture:
Prawn culture assumed great significance in late eighties & early nineties when
brackish water prawn culture flourished for short-term economic gain. Along the entire coast
a long coastline covering all the coastal districts were utilized, nearly about 0.30 million
hectares of land was found suitable for aquaculture purpose. For intensive prawn cultivation,
17,500 hectares were identified of which only 2,550 hectares were utilized. However, the
failure of the aquaculture industry due various environmental problems, prawn related
diseases and inadequate and unscientific aquaculture practices at a later stage
discouraged many small & medium scale farmers. Orissa Shrimp Seed Production Centre
(OSSPC) at Gopalpur is the only one of its kind in the country that is cultivating ‘Tiger
Prawn´ prawn and presently the aquaculture industry has diminished significantly.
Ecologically sensitive areas

National Parks and Wild Life Sanctuaries:

As stated before, the coast of Orissa has Marine National Parks/ Wild life
sanctuaries (Fig.6). The Bhitarkanika mangrove area has been declared as Marine National
Park and also Wild life sanctuary. Gahirmata coast and Rushikulya and Devi river mouths
have been declared as Marine Wild Life sanctuaries due to presence of breeding and
nesting grounds of Olive Ridley turtles. The details are:

Fig.6. Marine National Parks and Wild Life sanctuaries

19
Mangroves:
Mangroves play a vital role in coastal ecosystem because of their role in mitigating
coastal erosion, contribution to coastal fishery, as nurseries for a variety of fish and prawns
and as barrier to tidal and storm surges associated with tropical cyclones. As per the State
of Forest Report 2005, mangroves in Orissa are spread over an area of 203 km2 of the
coast. Kendrapara district has maximum of mangrove cover in the state (175 km2), followed
by Bhadrak district (20 km2), Jagatsinghpur district (4 km2) and Balasore district (4 km2).

The major river deltas are: Subarnarekha, Budhabalanga, Baitarani, Bramhani,

Dhamara, Mahanadi, Devi, Keluni, Rushikulya and Bahuda which have mangroves.
Besides, Chilika lagoon has also some mangroves (Fig.7).

Fig.7. Mangrove formations along the Orissa coast

The river systems draining into the Bay of Bengal forms extensive deltas also
support mangrove forests. The mangrove forests though extends over six major river deltas
such as Subarnarekha, Budhabalanga, Bramhani-Baitarani, Mahanadi and Devi covering a
total area of 203 sq. km. The Bhitarkanika Wildlife Sanctuary/ National Park in Bramhani-
Baitarani deltaic area, the largest (150 sq. km approx) among the available patches in
Orissa harbor India’s richest mangrove forests in terms of species diversity. Mangroves in
other areas are mostly degraded by a variety of factors, the most significant of which has
been conversion to brackish water fishponds.

20
 The diverse climatic conditions of Bhitarkanika mangrove wetland provide ideal
habitat to a varieties of invertebrate and vertebrate fauna (lizards, snakes, saltwater
crocodiles, varieties of waterfowl, mammalian species etc.). It is one of the best reptile
refuges in the world. Besides, it provides an ideal habitat to the largest population of
saltwater crocodiles, Crocodylus porosus including the partial white crocodiles in India.
Bhitarkanika mangrove wetland has been declared as one of the Ramsar sites i.e. wetland
of international importance on 19th Aug.2002 (Fig.8.)

Fig.8. Bhitarkanika mangrove and its environs

It has been observed that mangrove vegetation in Orissa reduced from 234 km2 to
199.19 km2 during 1975 to 1993. Forest Survey of India (FSI) report for 1995 showed that
mangrove vegetation in Orissa was somewhere around 195 km2 for the data period 1991 to
1993. All total 65 species of mangroves and mangrove associated species in Orissa coast.
The rich species diversity is mainly attributed to the estuarine environment created by the
fresh water inflow from river Mahanadi, Brahmani and Baitarani, and the high tidal
amplitude ranging between 2.8 m to 4.5 m. It has been reported that all total 3 species has
become extinct, one endangered, 4 vulnerable, and 3 threatened along the Orissa coast.

A number of villages located around the Bhitarkanika mangroves. A few villages

solely dependent on mangrove resources were selected by the MSSRF to assess their
occupation and socio-economic conditions (Fig.9). Among these villagers, the fishing
population constitutes nearly 25%, farmers 21% and the remaining 54% of the population
are the seasonal wage labourers either in fishing or agriculture related works (Fig.6). An
analysis of their income range revealed that for 65% of the household it is within Rs.10,000
indicating poor socio-economic condition of the living population. These populations are

21
deprived of earning or employment opportunities and most of their average annual income
is less than Rs.10000 per year.

Fig.9. Occupation of villagers around Bhitarkanika

Olive Ridley Sea Turtle:

The Olive Ridley (Lepidochelys olivacea), one of the endangered turtle species,
known for its mass nesting congregate at three sandy beaches viz.
1. The Gahirmatha rookery near Dhamra river mouth
2. The rookery near Devi river mouth and
3. Rushikulya river mouth (Fig.10).

.Fig. 10 Map showing the locations of mass nesting along Orissa coast
22
 These three rookeries were respectively discovered during mid 1970s, 1981 and
1994. The rookery of Gahirmatha is the largest in the world with annual nesting of thousands
to hundred thousand turtles in peak years during January-March (some times in April-May).
Mass nesting at Gahirmatha has been reduced significantly since1997. The reduction in
mass nesting is mostly associated with the reduced size of the beach availability at
Gahirmatha, due to cyclonic storms and beach erosion. The nesting at the rookery near Devi
river mouth has been altered by Casuarina plantation and the nesting population has shown
a considerable reduction in number. Since the discovery of the Rushikulya rookery in 1994,
Olive Ridleys are nesting en-masse at this rookery but with fluctuation from year to year. The
reduction in mass nesting of Olive Ridley sea turtle along the Orissa coast can be attributed
to the following factors:

(i) Manipulation of sea turtle habitats (nesting beaches and migratory routes) for food,
water, shelter, plantation, mineral requirements, oil drilling etc.
(ii) Poaching during nesting and thereafter and, incidental catch in offshore areas by
poachers with powered vessels, trawlers and country boats.
(iii) Nest predation by predators such as wild pigs, feral dogs, jungle cat, Hyena etc.
during sporadic nesting especially in Gahirmatha rookery.
(iv) The nesting grounds (sand spits and islands near the estuaries) have become more
fragmented and narrow and active coastal erosion in recent years.

Therefore, much of the nesting area is constantly inundated resulting in reduced

nesting and low hatching success. In addition to the significant decline in nesting, large-
scale mortality, mostly trawling related mortality of the sea turtle on the Orissa coast has
become a major concern of the national and international community. The high mortality
during 1997 to 2000 along Orissa coast was due to incidental catch by fishing gears such as
gill nets and hook and lines. Several conservation measures are being adopted to check the
high mortality rate and to save protect the endangered sea turtles. Protection measures
presently undertaken by the Government of Orissa include:

(i) Coastal waters off Gahirmatha have been declared as marine sanctuary in 1997 and
are protected under Wild Life Act (1972) by prohibiting mechanized fishing within
20km of the Gahirmatha coastline.

(ii) Mechanized fishing within 5km of the coastline has been banned under the Orissa
Marine Fisheries Regulation Act (1982) and Rules (1983).

The Orissa forest department personnel patrol the beach during peak nesting season
(December - May) to protect the nests from beach predators and poachers and also transfer
the nests laid by the sporadic nesters to the hatchery. Expressing concern over trawling
related mortality the Orissa High Court in its May 14, 1998 judgment had ordered that all

23
fishing trawlers be equipped with Turtle Excluder Devices (TEDs). Other conservation
measures that have been suggested are:

(i) The nesting beaches of Devi river mouth and Rushikulya river mouth should be
declared as sanctuary.

(ii) To resist non-human interference in the nesting areas to be watched and provided
with proper fencing.

(iii) Awareness education and involvement of local fishing communities are necessary to
protect the Olive Ridley and its marine habitats in Orissa.

Horseshoe crabs:
Orissa coast is reported to be the major breeding ground of the horseshoe crab,
except for the 35 km of the Gahirmatha coast in the Bhitarkanika Wildlife Sanctuary, other
important nesting sites of horseshoe crabs such as Balaramgadi, Chandipur, and Hukitola.
The major breeding ground of the horseshoe crab has been reported near estuarine river
mouths with the mangrove detritus laden mudflats of River Burhabalanga. Two species of
horseshoe crab viz. Tachypleus gigas and Carcinoscorpius rotundicauda occur along the
Orissa coast. There was trade of horseshoe crabs from Orissa in the past to WB and other
areas, but it is no more in practice now. Considering the importance of horseshoe crabs for
production of Lysate for bio-medical use, all species of horseshoe crabs needs to be placed
in appropriate schedule of the Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act.

C.2 Non-living resources:

The major mineral resources that are having economic importance are from mining
of placer deposits near Chatrapur in Ganjam district of Orissa. In early part of seventies,
Indian Rare Earths Limited (IREL) of Atomic Energy Commission, India commissioned its
largest division called Orissa Sand Complex (OSCOM) at Chatrapur to exploit the huge
placer deposit across a mining are of 40 sq.km to produce 2,20,000 ton of 50% grade
limonite and associated minerals like rutile, zircon, sillimanite, garnet, etc. The facility was
quite unique in the sense that for the first time IREL ventured into sand dredging and
concentration operation and setting up a value addition plant at OSCOM to convert all the
limonite to 1,00,000 ton per annum of 92% grade synthetic rutile (SR) based on Benelite
technology. At present, the dredging operation is limited to the neighboring sand dunes of
Gopalpur – Arjyapalli of south Orissa coast. Another important resource is the utilization of
seawater for extraction of common salt. Near the village Humma, an area of 50 km2 is being
utilized for extraction of salt by traditional method.

24
Tourism:

Tourism being an integral part of the coastal economic resources, Orissa has three
major places of attraction. The place of international repute, the Sun Temple at Konark is
the most important. It is better known as the ‘Black Pagoda’. Its architectural beauty ranks
with the best in the country. All weather roads to Bhubaneswar and Puri link Konark. An
airstrip is planned to be opened shortly. Another important town along Orissa coast is Puri,
famous for Hindu pilgrimage. The Puri coast, being of a prograded type, is shallow and
offers excellent bathing facilities. Similarly, the beaches at Gopalpur attract a number of
tourists in winter months. Recently, it has been observed that all the three beaches are
prone to severe erosion as a result of which there is a huge economic loss for the locals
and loss of coastal property to some extent.
Bhubaneswar, the capital of Orissa is the symbol of modernity. The Lingaraj Temple,
the Jain and the Buddhist caves at Khandagiri and Udayagiri, the Ashokan inscription and
the Shanti Stupa at Dhauli have made Bhubaneswar an important tourist centre. Puri,
Konark and Bhubaneswar are linked by an excellent rail and road network and form a
‘Golden Triangle’ from the tourist point of view.

Infrastructure

Ports and Natural Harbors:

The orientation of the coastline and huge littoral drift does not support natural harbor
in Orissa. Paradeep is the only natural harbor provides berthing facilities to ships of more
than 60,000 GRT (Gross Registered Tonnage). Mainly minerals, coal and metallurgical
products are exported through Paradeep port. During 2003-03, 169.10 lakh MT of goods
were exported and 69.91 lakh MT of goods were imported through the port as against
144.69 lakh MT goods exported and 66.62 lakh MT goods imported in 2001-02.

The State Government have developed a fair weather port at Gopalpur with an
investment of Rs.35.95 crore which has been opened to traffic from February, 1987 to cater
to the needs of Indian Rare Earths Limited. This port being an open-coast seasonal port
was operating for about 5 months in a year i.e. from October to March. However, due to
huge northerly littoral drift, the port became non-functional since 1999, after the super
cyclone episode. During 2001-02, about 17,671 MT of limonite were exported through this
port. During 2002-03, no export and import has been made through this port. An amount of
Rs.0.40 crore was collected as revenue during the year 2002-03. The State Government
has decided to develop it into an all-weather port through a private developer- Stevedores
Limited. Recently, plans and construction are in various stages to convert the port into an
all weather port. Dhamra and Chandbali is a minor fishing port. Considering the
requirement of port based steel plant, TISCO, L&T and other industries which are likely to

25
come up in Orissa in near future, It has also been decided to develop Mega Ports at
Dhamara in Bhadrak district & Jatadhai Muhan adjacent to Paradeep through private
investment by L&T, TISCO & PASCO and the work is in progress. The process of land
acquisition for construction of railway corridor and road from Bhadrak to Dhamara mouth is
in rapid progress. Apart from these, the State Government have declared to develop 11
other minor ports along its 480 kms long coastline in a phased manner keeping in view the
overall economic development of State and availability of funds.

D. Coastal Zone Management Status

D.1. Coastal Laws and Policies and geographical limit of the coastal zone:

The coastal area covering both the narrow coastal land and the coastal waters are
dealt by a major an umbrella National legislation namely Environmental Protection Act1986.
The two legal instruments which govern the coastal activities especially the pollution in the
coastal waters and developmental activities in the narrow coastal zone up to 500m from the
High Tide Line are Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act (1974) and the Coastal
Regulation Zone (CRZ) Notification (1991). The definition of coastal zone in India is mostly
derived from the CRZ notification which has a geographical jurisdiction from Low Tide Line
to 500 m from the High Tide Line

The Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974

The act deals with all basic aspects, means and mechanisms to deal with the control of
water pollution. Jurisdiction of the act has been restricted up to 5 km in the sea.
Constitutions of Central and State Pollution Control Boards, their composition,
functions and powers are dealt under this act. The Central Pollution Control Board
which is the apex body is entrusted with the functions on advising the central
government on matters relating to control of pollution and co-ordinate the activities
among the State Boards. The State Boards which shoulder the major responsibilities in
dealing with pollution problems have been entrusted with the functions for the
prevention, control or abatement of pollution of streams and wells in the State and also the
coastal waters. The Boards have to conduct research and monitoring activities relating to
pollution of all types and advise the state government in drawing up plans or measures
where environmental pollution, contamination etc., have become a concern to public health
and survival of organisms. The Boards need to ensure compliance of all environmental
rules and regulations stipulated for industries of various and public bodies like municipalities.
It needs to have or to develop adequate mechanisms for enforcement of provisions of
Water act. Penalties are levied for several offences under the Water act. A few include
failure for preventing action to mitigate pollution, failure to give information on quantity of
waste water discharged, disposal of noxious substances etc.
26
Environmental Protection Act, 1986:

It is an umbrella act governing all aspects of Environment in the country. The act
deals with air and water pollution, hazardous substances and regulations on coastal zone.
The most relevant part of the act applicable to the current project is the Coastal Regulation
Zone Notification1991. The details on provisions made under the notification are:

Coastal Regulation Zone Notification 1991:

A notification was issued by the Central Government in the Ministry of Environment

and Forests, under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 declaring coastal stretches as
Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) and regulating activities in the CRZ. The brief details of the
Notification, as amended from time to time are given below.

Definition of Coastal Regulation Zone:

Coastal stretches of seas, bays, estuaries, creeks, rivers and backwaters which are
influenced by tidal action (in the landward side) are included in Coastal Regulation Zone
(CRZ), as indicated below:

i) Area up to 500 metres on the landward side from the High Tide Line (HTL) and the
land between the Low Tide Line (LTL) and the HTL is included in CRZ.
ii) Area on both sides of tidal influenced rivers, creeks and backwaters from the HTL is
included in CRZ. The width of the CRZ area is 100 metres from the HTL or the width
of the creek, river or backwater whichever is less.
iii) CRZ area along rivers, creeks and backwaters is up to the extent of tidal influence
that is determined by the salinity of water up to 5 ppt or more.

These zones have been categorized into four zones namely CRZ I (Ecologically
sensitive areas like mangroves), CRZ II (Developed areas), CRZ III (undeveloped areas)
and CRZ IV (A &N and Lakshadweep islands). These zones are illustrated in Fig. 11.

The Prohibited and regulated activities in these zones are:

i) Setting up of new industries and expansion of existing industries, except those

directly related to waterfront or directly needing foreshore facilities.
ii) Manufacture or handling or storage or disposal of hazardous substances, except
specified petroleum products in port areas.
iii) Setting up and expansion of fish processing units including warehousing, excluding
hatchery and natural fish drying in permitted areas and expansion of existing fish
processing units for modernization purposes.

27
iv) Setting up and expansion of units/ mechanisms for disposal of wastes and effluents,
except facilities required for discharging treated effluents into the water course and
storm water drains.
v) Discharge of untreated wastes and effluents from industries, cities or towns and
other human settlements and dumping of city or town wastes.
vi) Dumping of ash or any wastes from thermal power stations.
vii) Land reclamation, bonding or disturbing the natural course of sea water except:

a) For port-related construction, bridges and sea-links.

b) Other facilities those are essential for activities permissible under the notification.
c) For control of coastal erosion and maintenance or clearing of waterways.
d) For prevention of sandbars.
e) For tidal regulators.
f) For storm water drains or for structures for prevention of salinity ingress and sweet
water recharge.
viii) Mining of sands, rocks and other substrata materials, except those rare minerals not
available outside CRZ.
ix) Harvesting or drawl of ground water and construction of mechanisms therefore
within 200 m of HTL except when done manually through ordinary wells for drinking,
horticulture, agriculture and fisheries in the 50 m to 200 m zone.
x) Construction activities in ecologically sensitive area.
xi) Construction activities between the LTL and HTL except facilities for carrying treated
effluents and waste water discharges into the sea, facilities for carrying sea water for
cooling purposes, oil, gas and similar pipelines and facilities essential for
permissible activities.
xii) Dressing or altering of sand dunes, hills, natural features including landscape
changes for beautification, recreational and other such purpose, except as
permissible under the notification.

28
 500
HTL
NDZ m

LAND
CRZ-I

CRZ-I 500
(ii) CRZ-
100 III HTL
SEA LTL
ESTUARY
LTL
C
100 R HTL
CRZ- Z-
III
500
CRZ-
A & N (CRZ-
IV)

Fig.11. Illustration of different CRZ areas along the coast

Regulation of permissible Activities:

(i) Clearance can be given for activities within the Coastal Regulation Zone if they require
water front and foreshore facilities.

The following activities are permissible:

(a) Construction activities related to defense requirements for which foreshore facilities
are essential (e.g. slipways, jetties, etc.).
(b) Operational constructions for ports and harbors, light houses, jetties, wharves,
quays and slipways.
(c) Land reclamation for construction of ports, harbors, jetties, wharfs, bridges and sea
links and other facilities essential for activities permissible under the Notification.
(d) Thermal power plants – only foreshore facilities for transport of raw material facilities
for in-take of cooling water and outfall for discharge of treated waste water cooling
water.
(e) Construction of hotels and beach resorts between 200 and 500metres of HTL is
designated areas of CRZ-III.

29
(ii) Clearance can be given for construction of residential buildings and infrastructure
facilities in CRZ, subject to the norms specified for each CRZ category-I, II, III, IV.
Construction of building on landward side of existing road or roads proposed in the
approved Coastal Zone Management Plan (CZMP).

Replacement of CRZ notification by a proposed new Coastal Zone

Management (CZM) Notification, 2007

In order to facilitate effective implementation of sustainable development of coastal

regions as well as conservation of coastal resources, the MoEF, based on
recommendations made by an expert committee constituted under the chairmanship of Dr.
M. S. Swaminathan. The notification yet to come to force, lays down importance of adopting
Integrated Coastal Zone Management for achieving the sustainable development. The
notification has also included sea areas up to Territorial waters (12 NM) for management
purposes. Accordingly the Coastal zone designated as Coastal Management Zone (CMZ) is
categorized into:

i) Coastal Management Zone – I (CMZ – I) shall consist of areas designated as

Ecologically Sensitive Areas (ESA), which are listed generically in Appendix – II

ii) Coastal Management Zone- II (CMZ – II) shall consist of areas, other than CMZ – I
and coastal waters, identified as “Areas of Particular Concern (APC)” such as
economically important areas, high population density areas, and culturally/
strategically important areas. The administrative boundaries of these
“Areas of Particular Concern” would be boundaries of CMZ – II. The generic list of
such areas is given in Appendix – III.

iii) Coastal Management Zone – III (CMZ – III) shall consist of all other open areas
including coastal waters, that is all areas excluding those classified as CMZ – I, II
and IV.

iv) Coastal Management Zone – IV (CMZ – IV) shall consist of inlands territories of
Andaman and Nicobar, Lakshadweep, and other offshore islands.

v) In respect of the islands in coastal backwaters areas which are not included in CMZ
– I or CMZ – II, such areas may be included in CMA – IV at the option of the Local
Authority; otherwise they would be included in CMA – III. Once exercised, the option
of the Local Authority would not be subject to change.

30
Management Methodology: The management methodology and approach for the
Coastal Management Zone is still under discussion.

The Notification is yet to come to force.

Key factors in implementation:

The key factor in the implementation of proposed CMZ notification is the

demarcation of setback line which has been defined as above and also planning the
activities compatible to the characteristics of the coastal zone and regulating existing
activities through an appropriate management plan so as to achieve sustainable
development. It is felt that the major aspect that can help in easier implementation of
provisions of CMZ is preparation of an appropriate land use plan taking into consideration
the issues relating to the impacts of existing activities to other sectors (by not allowing
horizontal expansion of activity, in case existing land use/ cover is of social or ecological
importance) and permitting new developmental activities only in the areas compatible to
other sectors. An ICZMP in combination of well prepared environment friendly land use plan
and solutions to minimize inter-sectoral impacts of developmental activities and permitting
only suitable new activities will ensure sustainable development of coastal areas.

Orissa Marine Fishing Regulations Act (OMFRA) and Rules 1982:

Under the OMFRA rules, mechanized fishing is prohibited within 5 km from the
coast. Mechanised vessels within 15m length are permitted beyond 5 km from the shore,
where as the vessels above 15m in length are permitted beyond 10 km from the coast for
fishing. These regulations have been done in keeping in mind, that the turtles migrating
towards the Orissa coast, which normally move in the waters upto 5 km. The vessels above
15m in length are not permitted as most of use trawl or gill net in which the turtles get
strangled during their movement and die.

Under the OMFRA, marine fishing has been prohibited in specified turtle
congregation areas namely, Devi River mouth, Rushikulya River Mouth and Dhamara River
mouth by all the mechanized vessels within 20 km radius form the coast. Details of
prohibited areas are:
1) Gahirmatha Marine Wild Life Sanctuary in Kendrapara District with total area of
1435 sq. km. comprising of a core and buffer zone. The core area of Gahirmatha
extends 10 kms. from the coast line in to the sea upto 20 km radius.
2) 20 km radius sea area from Jatadhari river mouth to Devi river mouth.
3) 20 km radius sea area from Chilika mouth (Magarmukha) to Rushikulya river mouth.

31
Use of Turtle Excluder Devices (TED) has been made mandatory in all the operating
trawlers.

Other Acts:
The other acts relevant to Coastal zone management are:
(1) Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 amended 2006.
(2) Forest Conservation Act 1980.
(4) Orissa Prevention of Land Encroachment (OPLE) Act 1954

The Wildlife Protection Act of 1972 is a package of legislation enacted in 1972 by

the Government of India. Prior to 1972, The Act established schedules of protected plant
and animal species; hunting or otherwise harvesting these species was largely outlawed.

The Act provides for the protection of Wild animals, birds and plants and for matters
connected therewith or ancillary or incidental thereto. It extends to the whole of India,
except the State of Jammu and Kashmir which has its own wildlife act. It has six schedules
which give varying degrees of protection, with absolute protection being provided under
Schedule I and part II of schedule II with the highest penalties prescribed for offences under
these schedules and Species listed in the Schedule IV are also protected but the penalties
are much lower, with the enforcement authorities having the power to compound offences
(as in they impose fines on the offenders). The Olive Ridley Turtle has been listed under
Schedule I indicating its endangerdness.

The Forest Conservation Act, 1980 came in to force with effect from October 25,
1980. Under the provisions of this Act, prior approval of the Central Government is essential
for diversion of forest lands for the non-forestry purposes. In the national interest and in the
interest of future generations, this Act, therefore, regulates the diversion of forest lands to
non forestry purposes. The basic objective of the Act is, to regulate the indiscriminate
diversion of forest lands for non forestry uses and to maintain a logical balance between the
developmental needs of the country and the conservation of natural heritage. The,
guidelines have been issued under the Act from time to time, to simplify the procedures, to
cut down delays and to make the Act more user friendly. To ensure this, recently, new rules
under this Act have been framed and notified on 10/1/2003 by the Ministry of Environment
and Forests.

The Act has succeeded in controlling the indiscriminate release of forest land for
non forestry purposes. Prior to 1980, the rate of diversion of forest lands for non forestry
purposes was about 1.43 lakh ha. per annum. But, with the advent of the Forest
(Conservation) Act, 1980, the rate of diversion of forest lands has come down to around
15000 ha. per annum and mostly diversion of forest land is allowed to meet the

32
developmental needs for Drinking water projects, Irrigation projects, Transmission lines,
Railway lines, Roads, Power projects, Defense related projects, Mining etc. For such
diversions of forest lands for non forestry purposes, compensatory afforestation is
stipulated and catchment area treatment plan, wildlife habitat improvement plan,
rehabilitation plan etc. are being implemented, to mitigate the ill effects of diversion of such
vast area of green forests. To monitor the effective implementation of the compensatory
afforestation in the country, an authority named as "Compensatory Afforestation
Management and Planning Authority (CAMPA)" is being constituted at the national level. A
monitoring cell is also being set up in the Ministry of Environment & Forests to monitor the
movement of proposals at various stages and the compliance of the conditions stipulated in
the forestry clearances by the user agencies

The Orissa Prevention of Land Encroachment (OPLE) Act 1954 deals with
cases of encroaching the government land. The provisions of the act are helpful in
preventing encroachment of buffer areas of the forest or coastal zone which are needed for
several conservation related activities.

D.2. Institutions and Authorities (Roles and Responsibilities) - Public and

Government

Central Government:

Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF), Govt. of India is the nodal Ministry for
dealing with environmental aspects of coastal zone. The MoEF is charged with the
responsibility of enactment of legislation to protect and preserve the coastal environment
and for regulating the developmental activities from the angle of protection of coastal
environment. MoEF is also to develop implementation mechanisms to implement the
provisions of the legislations relevant to the coastal zone. The Ministry of Earth Sciences
conducts research on environmental, scientific and engineering aspects of the coastal zone.

State Government:

In the State of Orissa, the nodal Department to deal with the environmental aspects
of the coastal zone is Department of Environment and Forests and implements policies and
programmes relating to environment, forests and Wild life, besides enforcement of all
environment related legislations. The other departments relevant to the activities of the
present project are:

1. Principal CCF (Wildlife) & Chief Wildlife Warden, Orissa, Bhubaneswar: The
authority to implement policies and programmes of Government relating to wildlife,

33
 its habitat and related issues and to enforce the various laws relating to Wildlife and
its habitat through its field functionaries.
2. The Fisheries and Animal Resources Development Department is responsible for
implementing fisheries related programmes
3. Department of Tourism implements project relating to coastal tourism, lake tourism,
eco-tourism etc
4. Department of Water Resources implements programmes relating to construction of
embankment to prevent seawater intrusion in coastal areas and shore protection
measures against coastal erosion
5. Orissa Disaster Mitigation Authority implements all programmes relating to
construction of shelters for accommodating people during disasters like floods,
storms etc and also carry out other related activities
6. Department of Culture and its organization namely the Orissa State Archaeology
look after all Archeological activities in the state.
7. Department of Industries is involved in promotion of establishment of small, medium
and large scale industries along the coast.

Institutions:
The major National institutions dealing with environmental aspects of the coastal
zone are:

1. National Institute of Oceanography, Goa and its regional centres – conducts all
coastal oceanographic and environmental studies along the coastal zone of the
country. Has conducted extensive Environmental Impact Assessment Studies along
the coastal zone. Also designated as the agency to demarcate Low and High Tide
Lines. Undertakes large numbers of commercial consultancy projects.
2. National Institute of Ocean Technology, Chennai – conducts environmental and
engineering studies relating to coastal zone. Has conducted extensive
Environmental Impact Assessment Studies along the coastal zone. Also designated
as the agency to demarcate Low and High Tide Lines. Undertakes large numbers of
commercial consultancy projects.
3. Integrated Coastal and Marine Area Management Project Directorate, Chennai –
prepares scientific based integrated coastal zone management plans, conduct
extensive R & D relating to coastal zone problems and suggest solutions. It does not
undertake commercial consultancy projects. It renders advises to the coastal states
in solving coastal zone problems and also impart training on scientific and tools
techniques of the coastal zone to the coastal states.
4. National Hydrographic Office, Dehradun - prepares bathymetric charts for navigation
and scientific purposes and also designated as the agency to demarcate Low and
High Tide Lines.

34
 5. Zoological Survey of India, Kolkata – conducts wide range of surveys to maintain a
database on animals of terrestrial and aquatic origin
6. Botanical Survey of India, Kolkata – conducts wide range of surveys to maintain a
database on terrestrial and aquatic plants
7. Fishery Survey of India, Mumbai – conducts exploratory fisheries to assess the
stocks and regional abundance of marine fishes available beyond 50 m depth
8. Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute, Kochi – surveys abundance of fish in
the coastal waters of India
9. Central Inland Fisheries Research Institute, Barrakpore – studies the biology and
abundance of fishes inland rivers and coastal lagoons
10. Central Institute of Freshwater Aquaculture, Bhubaneswar – conducts research on
culture of freshwater fish, develops methods to culture and disseminate the
techniques to the users
11. Central Institute of Brackish water Aquaculture, Chennai – conducts research on
culture of freshwater fish, develops methods to culture and disseminate the
techniques to the users

Institutions in Orissa:

1. Chilika Development Authority, Bhubaneswar. A state owned institution - Conduct

research on health of the Chilika lake, regularly monitors characteristics of the lake,
plans environment friendly developmental activities such as eco-tourism, alternative
livelihood options etc., in the lake.
2. State Pollution Control Board – responsible for implementation of Water and Air acts.
Monitors pollution levels in industrial effluents and rivers
3. Institute for Mineral and Material Technology, Bhubaneswar, a CSIR institution –
monitors coastal pollution along the Orissa and West Bengal coasts
4. Berhampur University – Academic programmes on marine and estuarine sciences
and research on chemical and biological aspects of the coastal water bodies of
Orissa.
5. Utkal University, Bhubaneswar
6. Paradeep Port Trust – Port activities and protection of eroded coast; combating oil
spills
7. Indian Rare Earths – mining of sand dues for illuminite

Private Sector:

Gopalpur Port – has planned anti-erosion measures to prevent likely erosion in

north of the port

35
Others:
NGOs in coastal areas of Orissa mostly deal with conservation of turtles especially
around the turtle grounds in Rushikulya, Devi and Gahirmatha. A few of such NGOs are
Atree, Wild Life Society of Orissa are actively involved in monitoring of turtle nesting
patterns.

D.3. Status of Implementation so far

The provisions of CRZ are being implemented by way of preparing a Coastal Zone
Management Plan which is nothing but a map in an appropriate scale (preferably 1:5000 or
even cadastral level) indicating LTL, HTL, CRZ I, II and III areas along the coastline. After
demarcation of these zones, proposals of developmental and related nature such as
construction of jetties for handling cargo, fishing jetties, pipelines to transport of liquid cargo
or industrial effluents, construction of roads, public utilities are evaluated the extent to which
these proposals utilize CRZ areas and also whether such activities are permissible under
the CRZ notification. Thereafter, permission is granted either by state or referred to the
MoEF, depending the merit of the proposal.

The basic requirement of preparation of Coastal Zone Management Plan

demarcating CRZ I, II, III and LTL and HTL along the Orissa coast has been done in a
lower scale map of 1:50,000 using mostly remote sensing data. Refining these maps to
higher scale with field data is still in progress in the state.

Many Departments and Agencies implement the CZM activities in the form of
resource conservation, habitat protection etc. Details programmes related to CZM activities
are described below.

Resource exploitation and biodiversity conservation are few of the important coastal
zone management measures. They are being implemented through relevant acts. for e.g.
conservation of turtle breeding areas is dealt under the Orissa Marine Fisheries Regulation
Act (OMFRA). After promulgation of OMFRA and Rules in the State, it was made
mandatory for all the fishing boats plying in territorial waters of the State to register and
license. No mechanized fishing vessels are allowed to fish within 5 km from the coast to
protect the interest of traditional fishermen. No outside (neighboring States) fishing vessels,
not registered under OMFRA are allowed to fish in the territorial waters of Orissa. To
conserve the fish stock and biodiversity, uniform ban on fishing from 15th April up to 31st
May every year is meticulously followed in the State. Orissa coast, being famous for the
nesting sites of rare Olive Ridley Sea turtle, several conservative measures are being taken
under the OMFRA. Fishing has been prohibited in specified turtle congregation areas
namely, Devi River mouth, Rushikulya River Mouth and Dhamara River mouth by all the
mechanized vessels within 20 km radius form the coast. Use of Turtle Excluder Devices

36
(TED) has been made mandatory in all the operating trawlers. Several officers from
Fisheries Department and other Line Departments such as Forest department and Coast
Guard have been declared as Authorized Officers for strict implementation of the Act.
Awareness programmes are conducted in all the Coastal districts involving local fishers to
make them sensitized about conservation and sustainable fishing.
Conservation and protection of flagship species like wetland birds, sea turtles, and
cetaceans like the dolphins and whales, crocodiles other wildlife and mangroves in the
project sites have been attempted with limited financial resources from Govt. of India and
Govt. of Orissa.

Specific details;

Following projects for protection and conservation of flagship species in the coastal zone of
Orissa have been undertaken in the state.

1. Launching of the GOI/ FAO/ UNDP supported Integrated Crocodile and Sea turtle
conservation project in the mid 1970s: the population of the endangered crocodilian
species has been considerably increased in the river systems of Bhitarkanika through
the grow-rear and release programme. The programme is very successful in
Bhitarkanika.

2. Under the Annual Plan of Operation (APO) of Gahirmatha marine wildlife sanctuary,
funding support is provided for protection and conservation of flagship species like the
endangered sea turtles, cetaceans and other aquatic wildlife.

3. Under the APO of Bhitarkanika Wildlife Sanctuary/ National Park, funding support is
provided for protection and conservation of flagship species like the endangered
estuarine crocodiles, cetaceans, and other aquatic as well as terrestrial wildlife
species.

4. Under the APO of Chilika (Nalabana) Wildlife Sanctuary funding support is provided
for protection and conservation of flagship species like the wetland birds, cetaceans
as well as other aquatic species.

5. Under the APO of Konark – Balukhand Wildlife Sanctuary funding support is provided
for protection and conservation of flagship species like the endangered blackbucks as
well as other terrestrial and aquatic species.

The Management Action Plans (MAPs) for conservation and management of

mangroves/ schemes of government of India for the Chilika, Bhitarkanika, Mahanadi delta
Dhamara, Devi-Kadua and Subarnarekha are now being implemented in the state under

37
conservation and management of mangroves under 100% central assistance. Besides,
Kalibhanjdia island in Bhitarkanika has been designated as the National Mangrove
Genetic Resources and Conservation Center (NMGRCC) of the country.

D.4. Current capacity building programmes – achievements and limitations

The present capacity building programmes are mostly limited to fisheries and other
rural industry sectors. The Chilika Development Authority conducts training programmes to
local communities on conservation aspects and also livelihood options such as culture of
fish, crabs etc. The rural industries conduct training programmes of various sought such as
food processing, coir making to women through Self Help Groups. The Pollution control
Board limits its studies to inland waters and due to lack of manpower and other laboratory
facilities do not conduct coastal water monitoring programmes and therefore no expertise
development is carried out.

Tourism industry, even though keen to promote eco-friendly tourism practices, lack
adequate knowledge among the officials on eco-friendly methods is a major bottle neck to
promote eco-tourism in the state.

The Forest Department has been conducting adequate training programmes on

afforestation to its own staff and has been creating awareness among the coastal
communities on conservation of forests. NGOs also actively participate in such awareness
campaign.

The state has well organized campaigns to save turtles that land on beaches for
nesting. The Wife Life wing and the NGOs play a vital role in creating awareness among
the local population about the need to conserve the turtles.

The major limitation in the state in capacity building is lack of adequate number of
technical staff in most of the departments who can be trained in expert institutions in
aquaculture, modern fishing practices, marine wild life management, eco-tourism etc.
Unless, the manpower resources are augmented and trained, the downward training to
coastal communities on alternate livelihood options would be rather difficult. Similarly such
a lack of technical/ trained manpower hampers the enforcement of conservation measures
on resources and biodiversity.

A separate capacity building component has been proposed under this project, the
details of which are given in Annexure 1.

D.5. Overall budget/ resources spent in CZM in the State

No specific budget allocation to the ICZM components like conservation, alternate

livelihood options, erosion etc. They have been combined with other programmes in the
respective sectors.

38
D.6. Key issues in Coastal zone management in entire state

a) Institutional co-ordination issues

The Department of Environment and Forests is the nodal department in the state to
co-ordinate the environmental related activities in the state. It implements CRZ notification
and accords approval directly or in consultation with the MoEF to the projects proposed
around the CRZ areas. Even though, it has no role in suggesting the projects suitable for
coastal areas, it has the power to reject or to insist modification of the processes or project
components. Since the Department of Environment also accords environment clearance of
new developmental and related projects of the state, it ensures that environmental/
resources damage issues are adequately tackled in the proposals.

There are no strong co-ordination mechanisms in all the states’ of the country in
planning and implementation of projects along the coastal areas of the country. It is strongly
sectoral oriented. The only procedure exists to express the views of Environment
department is as and when the developmental projects of other departments are referred by
concerned ministries for environmental scrutiny before they are approved by the cabinet of
the state. Since approval by the cabinet is sought mostly for large projects, many medium
scale and small scale projects costing less than Rs. 5 cr. do not require environmental
clearances, often they get excluded from the environmental scrutiny. While one or two or
even three such projects may not cause significant damage to the coastal resources, but
when more such projects are added in the successive years, they can lead to deterioration
of the quality of the coastal zone and its resources.

The only mechanism that ensures co-ordination among the departments and
agencies is the preparation of ICZMP incorporating all ongoing and proposed activities in
consonance with the environmental and social requirements and implementation of the
activities by individual sectoral departments in the manner is described in the plan.
Monitoring of implementation of all activities as stipulated in the plan can be carried out by a
co-ordinating body established by the Government. More essentially, the plan should get a
legal status, as its implementation would be binding for all concerned.

b) Pollution

The coast of Orissa is by and large free from pollution except at very few locations.
The major direct sources of chronic pollution are sewage from coastal villages and towns
and industrial effluents from the coastal industries. The 6 major rivers which carry effluents
from human settlement and industries including mines located along their banks, also
contribute minor pollution in the coastal waters. The coast of Orissa lacks major human
settlement areas except at the pilgrim town of Puri and Port town of Paradeep. Puri has a
resident population of 157610. (as of 2001) and a fluctuating tourist population. The tourist

39
population is peak during Rath yathra days and a few rough estimates give a figure of 41
lakhs tourists visiting per annum The Port town of Paradeep has a population of 1,15,000.
Understandably, - the major sewage contribution to the coastal waters is only from these
two towns.

Next to Goa, the coast of Orissa has least number of industries among the coastal
states in the country. The major industries are: Caustic soda manufacturing industry at
Ganjam and Paradeep Phosphate and IFFCO fertilizer industry at Paradeep. The Indian
Rare Earth Ltd, Chatarpur (Gopalpur) which mines beach sands (beyond 500m from the
coast) does not generate any effluents.

A long-term pollution monitoring programme of Ministry of Earth Sciences, namely

Coastal Ocean Monitoring and Prediction System (COMAPS) being executed through the
Institute of Minerals and Materials Research has indicated high levels of bacterial pollution
in the coastal waters of Puri and moderately increased concentration of phosphate in the
sea off Paradeep. The discharge of effluents from soda ash factory at Ganjam which was
showing dissolved mercury levels beyond the safe limit of 10 ug/ l in the past, has been
showing levels below this limit in the recent years. Barring these areas, the coastal waters
in rest of the areas are fairly clean. Effective sewage treatment systems for Puri will reduce
the bacterial levels in the sea. Effective treatment of effluents from the two fertilizer
industries at Paradeep will reduce the phosphate levels in the sea off Paradeep.

c) Impact of Mining of beach placers or heavy minerals

Chhatrapur along Gopalpur coastal belt is endowed with a significant amount of

beach placers or heavy mineral deposits. They are the minerals of strategic importance with
high industrial value. Mining of placer deposit affects stability of beach and sometimes-
hinder fishing and related activities. There are certain conflicts among the various
stakeholders in this area. The expansion of existing industry, Indian Rare Earth Limited and
establishment of Titanium dioxide plant, an Indo-Russian joint venture, at Chhatrapur may
intensify these problems.

d) Coastal erosion and shoreline changes

The Orissa coast is subjected to strong littoral drift and long shore current from
south to north due to oblique action of waves against the coast. Besides, frequent
occurrence of tropical cyclones and floods also contribute to the shoreline changes. It has
been estimated that about 1.5 million tons of sand movement takes place in a year from
southwest to northeast direction due to littoral drift alone. During the southwest monsoon
season high energy waves coming from south and southeast cause sand movement
northwards. During the northeast monsoon predominance of north easterly waves causes a

40
return drift in the opposite direction. Associated with the higher wave energy during
southwest monsoon season the drift from south to north is of the order of 0.9 million m3/
year and the return drift during northeast monsoon season is only 0.16 million m3/year
(CWPRS, 1972). Thus, the net littoral drift estimated by Central Water Power Research
Station (CWPRS), Pune along the coast is of the order of 0.74 million m3/year and is
northward. MISHRA et al (2001) showed a lower value of net drift of the order of 0.59
million m3/ year towards north. Thus, the northerly long shore drift (March-September) is the
most dominant for this coast and accounts for major sand movements and the subsequent
shoreline changes. The progression of the river mouth in the northeast direction, formation
of the sand spit near river mouths (e.g. Hukitola spit), new outlet to the sea and formation of
new mouth are continuous processes along the Orissa coast. Increase in width of the tidal
flats in Bahuda estuary, development of spit and northward shifting of the Rushikulya river
mouth (Fig. 12), northward shifting of Chilika mouth (Fig. 13) are some of the important
shoreline changes associated with long shore current and littoral drift along the south
Orissa coast (Zone I). In Zone II, shoreline changes are not prominent except for the 3 km
long sand spit near Devi mouth. The shoreline changes near Mahanadi estuary are
remarkable (Fig. 14). Especially, the growth of Hukitola spit in the northern direction and
aggradational nature of environment near Mahanadi estuary are very distinct. Formation of
Ekakulanasi near Maipura mouth and Wheeler Island off the mouth is some of the important
features of shoreline changes along north Orissa coast south of Dhamra. Further it was
indicated that the northern part of Dhamra beach experience erosion whereas to the south
the beach is mostly depositional to produce new landforms like emerging islands, mouth
bar, spits, tidal flat and tidal marsh. The regressive beach near Budhabalanga river mouth
is an indication of conspicuous change in the position of the mouth from time to time.

41
Figure 12: Northward shifting of Rushikulya river mouth

Fig.13. New inlet mouth of Chilika and its changing environment

42
Fig 14 (a): Shore line changes in Mahanadi estuary (1840-1983)

Fig 14 (b): Shore line changes in Mahanadi estuary (1972-1993)

43
Prominent locations of coastal erosion:

Erosion of beaches to a minor extent is common during the monsoon months along
the coast of Orissa. However, during the year 2007, severe coastal erosion has been
reported at Puri, Chandrabhaga (Konark), Gopalpur, Satabhaya and Pentha located along
the coast of the State (Fig 15). The status of erosion at these locations as documented
recently has been described below:

Fig.15. Map showing prominent erosion areas along the coast

Puri:
Puri (19° 47’N; 85° 50’ E), a nationally popular pilgrim town has wide beaches of
nearly for 7 km length. The first event of severe beach erosion was reported on 7th July
2007 in between Puri Town and Yamauna River. An observation made on 25 Sep. 2007, at
the worst affected segment (2 km) of Puri beach esp. on the southern side of Swarag Dwar/
Light house beach, it was found that the erosion was to the order of 120m. There was
almost 3 meters vertical cut along the beach side of the road (Fig.16).

44
 th
Fig.16. Erosion at Puri in between Lighthouse & Sterling Hotel beaches (photo taken on 25
September 2007).

The unusual erosion pattern along the coast might be due to the prevalence of
rough sea conditions and high waves throughout the monsoon months of June to
September in the current year.

Chandrabhaga (Konark):

Chandrabhaga (19° 52’N; 86° 7’E) is a pilgrim beach of tourist location namely
Konark Erosion was reported during July 2007 in between the Kushabhadra River mouth
and Chandrabhaga Beach. It was observed that erosion is not severe in the beach front
where tourists visit often and considerable accretion has already started by 14th November
2007. Consolidation of berm, filling of the small vertical cuts and smoothening of irregular
beach profiles and cusp formation on the beach were evident. Therefore, no immediate
remedy is required at this site, as the natural onshore-offshore process is actively filling up
the beaches. It is hoped that the accretion will continue during the forthcoming months and
the beach is expected to be restored to the last year levels.

45
Pentha:
Pentha (20° 32.5’N; 86° 47.5’E) is an agriculture village in Kendrapada District
(Fig.6). It is a peculiar location, as almost till the tip of beachfront from the land, agriculture
is being practiced. The beach is separated by an embankment having a height of approx. 3
meters and a length of about 1.5km, out of which, the most vulnerable zone is 400 m
(Fig.17).

th
Fig.17. Erosion in the seaward side of Embankment at Pentha (Photo taken on 15 November
2007)

The Aul Embankment Division, Water Resources Department, Government of

Orissa has documented the erosion problem of Pentha. It has been observed that, the LTL
was about 4 km away from the embankment in the year 1960 and in 2005 it was reduced to
200m indicating that the erosion phenomena is dominating the accretion over the years. In
November 2007, the LTL only 20m from the bund near the 400m vulnerable zone and
during cyclonic events the seawater overtops the bund. The location is part of the Hukitola
bay (Fig.18). At Pentha, the sea is shallow and also its location of facing directly to the Bay
of Bengal (between Hukitola spit and another offshore spit as seen in Fig.12). The might
have caused increased wave action along with concentration of wave forces on the coast
off Pentha. Generally wave climate was high with wave direction towards the coast
throughout the monsoon months of 2007. The latter phenomena which are more prominent
during the monsoons, along with lack of sediment supply might have eroded beaches over
the years leading to present conditions.

46
 Pentha

Fig18. Pentha village with embankment and Hukitola bay

Gopalpur:

The Gopalpur-on-Sea (19° 16’ N and 84° 55 E) is a semi-urban town and an

important tourist site along the south Orissa coast. Between these river mouths, the
coastline is completely sandy stretch with wide backshore of 100-150m.

Well-developed sand dunes with continuous ridges running parallel to the shore are
conspicuously present along the entire coast. The rear dunes are stable with typical dune
vegetation and casuarinas plantation. Along backshore there are scattered secondary
dunes of different dimensions. Dunes are 8 to 10m high. These dunes are important
sources of heavy mineral concentrates. The overall observation by earlier studies explains
that the monthly average of sediment budget at Gopalpur coast indicates a major loss in
April, May, June and August. However, in October alone, a major portion of the sand (84%)
that is lost is restored and, in subsequent months, deposition on the beach face resulted in
a net gain of sand by the end of annual cycle. However, intermittent erosion during summer
monsoon months/ cyclonic events reaches severe dimensions.

The beaches at Gopalpur tourist beach of 600m lengths are nearly 50 – 60 m wide
and the inter-tidal region is about 20 m (Fig.19) were experiencing active erosion during
2007 southwest monsoon period. Major erosion took place on the southern side beaches of
Gopalpur town. At some places, the vertical cut was about 3m or more. Some of the hotels

47
are located right on the edge of the High Tide Line (Fig.13). Sea level remained quite high
and crossed the average high tide line frequently during cyclone period.

This unusual erosion in the year 2007 might be attributed due to persistence of
localized high waves with shoreward direction attributed to continuous weather
disturbances and low-pressure system in the Bay of Bengal that has created a sea level
surge. This caused scouring of sand from the bottom of the concrete structures of the
existing Hotels and causing a void space under the structures and dislocating it, ultimately
eroding it. As expected, the shore became normalized after the waves and weather
conditions became normal in the subsequent months as per the recent information, it has
been observed that the beaches have started growing up and consolidation of berm has
already started.

Fig 19: Hotels right on the High Tide Line along Gopalpur Coast (photo taken on 22 Nov. 2007).

As per the available records, in the last two decades, the shoreline almost remains
at the same position without any major erosion landward infers that as such the erosion
event along the coast is more seasonal and cyclonic dependent and site specific. However,
the construction of 2.4 km long southern breakwater for Gopalpur port and 200 m long groin
on the northern groin will alter the sediment transport mechanisms leading to accretion on
south and erosion at the north.

e) Natural disasters:

The east coast of India is prone to cyclones. Over a century nearly 58 cyclones
affected Orissa coast which is about 27% of the total cyclone formed and landed along the

48
east coast. The super cyclone of 1999 which lasted for a week caused extensive damages
to the human life and property along the coast of Orissa.

The frequency of tropical cyclones in the Bay of Bengal is more than that of the
Arabian Sea. Therefore, states such as West Bengal, Orissa, Andhra Pradesh and Tamil
Nadu along the east coast of India are very much prone to tropical cyclones. Orissa is the
worst affected state along the east coast of India with highest numbers of cyclonic storms
crossing its coast (Table 3) mostly during pre-monsoon and post-monsoon seasons. The
tropical cyclones and associated storm surges and gale winds cause a lot of damage to the
life and property in the coastal belts of Orissa. The devastating effect reaches to its
maximum when these storms cross the coast. Orissa has six coastal districts which
experience very frequently, the full fury of the storms and associated storm surge.

Table 3: Number of cyclonic storms crossing east coast of India

Mohanty
States Mandal (1991) GTECCA (1996)
and Gupta (2002)
West Bengal 69 67 49
Orissa 98 106 94
Andhra Pradesh 79 90 65
Tamil Nadu 62 57 48
Total 308 320 256

Disaster Management

Surge Values
during stormy

Fig.20. Height of the storm surge (m) along Orissa coast

49
Vulnerability of the six coastal districts was assessed based on the computation of
vulnerability parameter (VP) using the maximum probable surge height (m) computed by
Dubeetal (2002) and as shown in Figure 20. The VP is usually computed as:

VP = F * T * P

Where, F = the cyclone frequency, T = the height of the storm surge and P = population
density.
Table 4: Vulnerability of the coastal districts of Orissa due to Tropical Cyclone
Districts Vulnerability Parameter Maximum Probable Storm Surge (m)
Ganjam 174.39 3
Puri 191.14 3.6
Jagatsingpur 243.57 5.9
Kendrapada 179.69 7.2
Bhadrak 146.49 7.6
Balasore 755.59 9.8

Fig.21: Vulnerability parameter and maximum probable storm surge (m) of the six coastal
districts of Orissa

50
 Figure 21 depicts the VP and height of maximum probable storm surge in meters. It
is observed that VP is highest for Balasore followed by Jagatsinghpur and Puri. It may be
mentioned that the coast line of Puri district is maximum (138 kms) but the vulnerability is
relatively less as compared to other districts. The maximum probable storm surge height
(Table-2) decreases from north to south. Thus, the risk due to coastal inundation is
maximum in north Orissa and gradually reduces towards south. In order to identify the risk
prone areas along the coastal districts of Orissa consisting of twenty one coastal blocks,
buffer zones; 0-5km, 5-10km and 10-15 km from sea have been demarcated. A data base
on population profile, house pattern and house types, and cyclone shelters in each of the
buffer zone has been created to delineate the risk prone areas along the Orissa coast and
the population at risk. It is observed that 375 villages with a population of 1.939571 million
are most vulnerable which are within 0-5 km from the sea (Table 5).

Table- 5: No of villages and the population at risk within 0-5 km, 5-10 km and 10-15 km from
the sea (buffer zones) in the six coastal districts of Orissa

0-5 km 5-10 km 10-15 km

Districts No. of No. of No. of
Population Population Population
Villages Villages Villages
Ganjam 48 53,568 61 82,250 64 98,379
Puri 75 1,561,017 101 105,461 90 157,875
Jagatsinghpur 57 51,874 50 143,233 37 25,613
Kendrapara 46 42,860 45 35,140 52 185,907
Bhadrak 51 130,244 50 33,012 35 31,354
Balasore 98 100,008 39 281,632 37 31,149
Total 375 1,939,571 346 680,728 315 530,277

The typical example of maximum damage as a result of a cyclone can be shown

from the reports available due to damage caused by a super cyclone hit Paradeep in 1999.
The wind velocity at the time of cyclone crossing the coast was about a maximum of 250
km/hr which lasted nearly for 8 to 10 hours on the day. However, its detrimental velocity
penetrated up to 100 km hinterlands. It caused extensive damages to vegetation, human
settlement, forestry and agriculture. It did not spare even the mangroves of Bhittarkanika.
8913 human lives and 4,44,500 cattles have been lost. About 19 million people living in 14
districts were affected. Table 6 below show a glimpse of the extent of damage caused to
houses due to the super cyclone in 12 districts of Orissa. (Source: Govt. of Orissa). The
cyclone also caused extensive damage to schools in the affected areas.

51
Table 6 – Damage to houses and settlements

District Total Washed Fully Partially

damaged away Collapsed collapsed
Khurda 95,540 0 30,000 65,540
Cuttack 2,87,819 0 1,40,626 1,47,193
Dhenkanal 64,175 5 8,425 55,742
Jagatsinghpur 2,84,337 9,948 2,17,174 57,215
Jajpur 2,48,058 144 60,864 1,87,050
Kendrapara 2,79,091 276 1,45,834 1,32,981
Keonjhar 48,301 1,178 7,417 39,706
Balesore 76,949 1,483 30,073 45,393
Mayurbhanj 9,500 500 6,000 3,000
Nayagarh 14,284 0 196 14,088
Puri 1,29,589 0 63,513 68,076
Bhadrak 1,24,040 262 33,741 90,030
Total 16,61,683 13,769 7,43,866 9,04,021

Even though no tide gauge records are available, estimates made by India
Meteorological Department (IMD) reveal that about 7.2 m height surges persisted for a
period of 8-10 hours during the cyclonic period and the surges penetrated the land areas
upto 20 km and the rivers upto 400 km. The seawater penetrated inland due to surge along
with rainfall created flood, caused extensive inundation in the coastal and inland areas
submerging several villages.

Impact of Tsunami:
Reports available after the Indian Ocean Tsunami 2004 indicated that the coast of
Orissa was the least affected by tsunami. However, as the subduction zone of Java-
Sumatra-Andaman having a line km of 4000 may also generate tsunami in the future.
Tsunami modeling investigations carried out by ICMAM Project Directorate indicate that the
possible area of subduction zone that can generate tsunami which may affect the Orissa
coast is the region between Car Nicobar and North Andaman. ICMAM Project Directorate
has simulated the tsunami of 1941 that occurred off North Andaman Islands, to find out
whether tsunami waves reached Puri and Gopalpur coast, Orissa at that time.

The model outputs revealed that there were inundations of seawater upto 370m
from High Tide Line at Puri. In order to visualize the worst case scenario of tsunami
occurring similar to the magnitude of Dec.2004 at the nearest possible tsunami locations of
Orissa coast, the earthquake parameters of Dec.2004 tsunami were used to generate
tsunami in the sea off North Andaman. The results obtained indicated that the tsunami
waves would inundate the Orissa coast to the extent of 600m in Gopalpur and 415m at Puri.
Therefore, the threat of tsunami cannot be ruled out along the coast of Orissa.

52
f) Marine Life and resources

Mortality of turtles:
As stated earlier, the coast of Gahirmatha is the breeding and nursery ground of
Olive Ridley turtles. Decayed specimen of adults and various stages of hatchlings are often
found along the Gahirmatha beach during the nesting seasons. This was undoubtedly the
result of incidental catch from fishing gears operated from mechanized and non-
mechanized fishing crafts. The uncontrolled mechanized fishing in areas of dense sea turtle
population has resulted in large-scale mortality of adult sea turtles, during the last two
decades in Orissa (Figs. 22a & b).

Das (2001) reported that more than 20,000 of these turtles died during 2000 alone
due to mechanized trawling in prohibited areas and non-use of the Turtle Excluder Device
(TEDs) by the trawlers. The incidental catch of Olive Ridley turtles is given in Table- 7.

Fig. - 22 a & b: Dead turtles observed in Gahirmatha coast due to incidental catches

Table 7: Incidental catch of olive ridley turtles (in numbers)

Year No. of dead turtles recorded

1990-91 2,810
1991-92 2,315
1993-94 5,282
1994-95 3,250
1997-98 13,575
1998-99 30,000
1999-2000 20,000

The major reason for death due to incidental catches by trawlers in the marine wild
life sanctuary area is inadequate patrolling by enforcement authorities. The latter is mainly
due to lack of adequate patrolling boats and trained manpower with the Wild Life
Department.

53
Shifting of the Gahirmatha mass nesting site:

It has been observed that the mass nesting site of Gahirmatha coast has been
gradually shifting during the last 20 years, from Gahirmatha northward. In early 1970’s
according to local villagers, mass nesting was near Satabhaya up to Ekakula. In 1974-75,
the mass nesting site was observed along a 10 km stretch of the coastline from Gahirmatha
to Ekakula. In the early 1980’s the turtles devastated the stretch from Satabhaya up to
Habalikhati and nesting was observed near Ekakulanasi. The shifting of mass nesting site
of olive ridley turtles in Gahirmatha coast is shown in Figure – 23. Kar and Dash (1984) and
Silas et. al (1984) based on visual observations reported severe beach erosion in
Gahirmatha every year. In 1984, beach erosion was noticed near Gahirmatha, immediately
after the first nesting was completed.

Figure 23: Shifting of mass nesting site in Gahirmatha coast

The beach erosion and accretion are regular phenomenon every year (Silas et
al.1985). In May 1989, a cyclonic storm swept across the Gahirmatha coast and
fragmented the mass nesting beach. However, currently due to the heavy erosion of this
region, the width of the beach is reduced. The comparative data of beach width in
Gahirmatha coast (1972 and 1998) are given in Table-8.

Table 8: Comparative data of beach width in Gahirmatha coast

Name of the place 1972 1998

Satabhaya 375 m 198 m
Gahirmatha 405 m 101 m
Habalikhati 756 m 159 m
Ekakula 70 m 123 m
Barrier island (Nasi island) 4 sq. km 5 sq. km

The mass nesting site which was originally located at Satabhaya to Ekakula (up to
1990) disturbed by the opening of Maipura River opened into the Bay of Bengal cutting
through the mass nesting beach. As a result, northern most tips got separated from the

54
mainland forming a barrier island covering an area of about 4.94 sq. km. during 1998. This
island is bound by Maipura river mouth in the west and by the Bay of Bengal on the east.
The newly formed island has become known as the “Nasi Island” where mass nesting
continued from 1990 onwards. The shoreline changes in Gahirmatha coast are given in Fig.
24.

Fig 24: Shoreline changes in Gahirmatha coast

A recent study conducted by the ICMAM Project Directorate, Chennai at Rushikulya

revealed that changes in beach profiles is one of the main reasons for the turtles to shift
their nesting grounds.

Likely impact of Dhamra Port on movement of turtles:

The major issue in the zone is the likely impact of Dhamra port activities. Some of
these include:

i) The proposed location of Dhamra port is at confluence of Dhamra and head of the Bay
of Bengal. Hence, the circulation at this location is governed by tides (range~2m), river
discharge, currents and waves. Therefore, construction of port with its deep approach
channel is likely to alter the hydrodynamics of area, which in turn causes morphological
changes in adjacent areas – Wheeler Island, Gahirmatha coast etc. as a result the
nesting grounds may have no or little impacts. In view of above complex interaction of
coastal processes with construction of port, a comprehensive regional study
considering the aspects of tides, waves, river discharge is required for prediction of
shoreline changes and change in sea bed morphology due to developmental actives.
The remedial measures can be arrived after thorough understanding of the dynamics of
the system.

ii) Likely erosion on the beaches north of the Port

55
iii) Oil spills during grounding and accidents may cause extensive damage to riverine,
mangrove and turtle breeding grounds

iv) Movement of vessels even though planned from northern side which is about 15 km
away from the wheeler island. If the vessels approach from south close to the Wheeler
island to the port, it may affect the movement of turtles

g) Chilika lagoon:

The lagoon is the home of numerous domestic and alien birds and also dolphins.
The abundance of seagrass is one of the reasons for dolphin’s existence in the lake. The
existing monitoring mechanism on movement of birds and dolphins is inadequate to plan for
conservation measures.

h) Seawater intrusion in paddy field:

Agriculture is extensively practiced along the coast of Orissa, and it is the major
occupation of coastal population of the state. It is not clearly known the extent of agricultural
crop area in the coastal villages. A glance of satellite imagery reveal that at several inland
pockets of the coast especially north of Rushikulya upto Dhamra, agricultural fields are
found either close to the coast or about 2 km from the coast or along the estuarine areas. At
few locations only a barrier bund constructed parallel to the coast divides the paddy fields
from beaches. Beaches of Orissa are generally narrow ranging from 100-200 m. The state
experiences severe weather conditions during the months of southwest monsoon and as a
result, the beaches and the banks of estuaries undergo severe seasonal erosion. At times,
the waves overtop the bunds constructed to prevent the salt water overflow into the paddy
fields and ultimately the seawater enters into the paddy fields. When the drain systems of
the paddy fields are connected to the estuaries, the seawater accumulated in the paddy
fields which becomes diluted due to heavy rains, get discharged into the adjoining estuaries.
After the monsoon period, the soil in most of the cases is free from seawater contamination.
At locations where the drain systems from agricultural fields are not connected to estuaries
or drain canals, even the diluted seawater makes the soil unsuitable for agriculture.
Agriculture being a major livelihood source for coastal population, degradation of
agricultural fields due to seawater intrusion will extensively affect the dependent population
and the crop production too.

i) Livelihood issues:

The major part of the coastal areas are rural in nature and there are only two
township located in the project area. One is being pilgrim town of Puri and the other being
Port town of Paradeep Therefore, the major activities of the coastal communities are rural in

56
nature. These activities mostly include, agriculture, fishing, goat rearing, dairy, poultry
besides their involvement in small scale tourism. The coastal population also belongs to a
lesser extent in service oriented professions in local bodies and in private industries which
are few in number.

The marine fishery is the major profession among the coastal fishing communities.
There are about 88,244 fishermen along the coast, out of which 76% are actively engaged
in fishing. The fishery in northern coast of Orissa is demersal fishing and is pelagic in nature
in case of southern coast. Out of the estimated Maximum Sustainable Yield of 1.61 MT, the
catch in the years (2001-2005) varied between 1.1 and 1.2 MT.

After promulgation of Orissa Marine Fisheries Regulation Act and Rules in the State,
it was made mandatory for all the fishing boats plying in territorial waters of the State to
register and license. No mechanized fishing vessels are allowed to fish within 5 km from the
coast to protect the interest of traditional fishermen. No outside (neighboring States) fishing
vessels, not registered under OMFRA are allowed to fish in the territorial waters of Orissa.
To conserve the fish stock and biodiversity, uniform ban on fishing from 15th April up to 31st
May every year is meticulously followed in the State. Orissa coast, being famous for the
nesting sites of rare Olive Ridley Sea turtle, several conservative measures are being taken
under the OMFRA. Fishing has been prohibited in specified turtle congregation areas
namely, Devi River mouth, Rushikulya River Mouth and Dhamara River mouth by all the
mechanized vessels within 20 km radius form the coast. Large congregation of Olive Ridley
Sea Turtles in the coastal waters of Orissa is reported to start from mid October to end of
April/ May.

The recent ban on fishing in the turtle congregation area is effective from 1st
November to 31st May vide notification no.1895/FARD Dt.04.02.2005. Prohibition of fishing
within a sea radius of 20 Kms. from Gahirmatha area of Bhitarkanika Wild Life Sanctuary
has adversely affected the mobility of fishing vessels both mechanized and traditional.
Thereby the livelihood for the poor marine fishermen of the area is at stake since they have
no alternative key activity for their subsistence. These fisher folks are mostly landless or
having paltry quantum of land that is not sufficient for their substance throughout the year.
Moreover due to high rate of illiteracy and non-acceptance to any change process these
fishermen/ women are forced to leave their native to distant places in neighboring states as
labourers. Likewise the livelihood of fishermen from Dhamara fishing harbour and fish
landing centres of Talchua, Kharnasi, Khandiapatna, Jumboo and Tantiapal are also at
stake. Besides prohibition of fishing in two other reported mass nesting areas i.e., Jatadhar
River to Devi river mouth and Chilika mouth to Rushikulya mouth have also equally affected
the local fishermen.

57
 From a conservative estimation, it is envisaged that about 26,861 (say 0.27 lakhs)
active fishermen in the vicinity of the prohibited areas are mostly affected. Out of the said
population about 30% active full time fishermen (8070) are perpetually losing their daily
wages to the tune of about Rs. 21.78 Crores per annum during the active ban period
(November to May 31st including 45 days common ban from 15th April to 31st May). Other
part-time fishermen are also losing their income to the tune of Rs. 25.42 Crores annually,
considering average daily income of active full time fishermen and part time fishermen as
Rs. 150/- and Rs. 75/- respectively. Out of 240 days of fishing 180 days of fishing are
affected by turtle conservation. Similarly in Chilika periphery there are about 12,500 fisher
families with a total population of around 15,000 whose per capita income hovers around
INR 1200 during yester years. Taking into account of the economic output and the number
of fisher family in Chilika lagoon, income per fisher family was merely INR 52,000 during
2003-04. In successive years this trend of family income is in a decline mode due to
overexploitation, increase in the fleet size etc. This has resulted in regular conflicts between
fishermen and non-fishermen community, migration to neighboring states.

j) Oil spill risk management:

The major sources of oil spills are the collision, grounding and accident of ships and
oil tankers visiting the major port of Paradeep and such vessels cruising off the coast of
Orissa to the Ports of Haldia and Kolkata. The developing ports at Gopalpur and Dhamra
are also likely to get vessels that may cause oil spills due to the above reasons. The major
effort needed to prevent oil spill due to grounding is to make available detailed bathymetry
charts at least around 3 to 4 km from the entrance channel. Collision and grounding can be
avoided through VTMS and also ensuring adequate radar based instruments in ships and
more importantly avoiding human error where relevant. In case of oil spills occurring despite
of all preventive measures, appropriate contingency plans should be available with the
Ports to tackle oil spills involving spillage of about 100 tons of oil. It is understood from the
details of facilities available with the Paradeep Port that it has capabilities to combat oil spill.
Even though, it may be adequate considering the vessels visiting at present, taking into
account its future expansion programmes and due to location of ecologically sensitive
Bhitarkanika mangroves and as well as Olive Ridley turtle nesting grounds at Devi and
Gahirmatha, it is necessary to upgrade the equipment and manpower facilities to tackle
spills at least upto 100 tons. Similarly, the two developing ports at Gopalpur and Dhamra
need to have appropriate oil spill contingency plans.

E. Key Learning from CZM activities, implementation, success and failure

The state has implemented a number of projects in the coastal areas and policies to
suit the measures to conserve resources and protect habitats of animals such as

58
endangered species of Olive Ridley turtles. A major National legislative measure namely,
the Coastal Regulation Zone Notification, preventing development within 200m from High
Tide Line and regulating the developmental activities from 200 to 500 m, has been under
implementation. Implementation of the provision, have resulted in protection of several
stretches of beaches which are now available for beach landing of crafts by fishermen,
drying of nets etc. Eco-tourism has also been increasing over the years. In the Port sector,
it has also been experienced that construction of breakwater for ports caused loss of
beaches by way of erosion. Dumping of dredged spoils have also caused temporary
disturbance in the benthic fauna. These activities implemented in the last 10 years are:

1. Implementation of CRZ notification to preserve the coastal areas upto 500m from HTL
so as to ensure sustenance of beach fauna like crabs.
2. Environmental Impact Assessment studies made mandatory for all activities including
for coastal activities such as construction of ports, establishment of industries,
disposal of wastes etc. Such a measure has ensured prevention of damages to the
coastal and marine ecosystem and their resources.
3. Olive Ridley turtles, an endangered species of turtles visit the coasts of Orissa
(Rushikulya, Devi and Nasi) for mass nesting. The breeding and nesting seasons
start from mid October and extend up to March. The turtles breed within 20 km from
the coast, which is a main fishing area. As there was increasing mortality of turtles
due to their entanglement in fishing nets, the Govt. of Orissa took major initiative of
banning the fishing activities in these months and also introduced fitment of Turtle
Excluding Devices in the trawl nets. It has been learnt that these measures,
eventhogh have caused negative effects of depriving the livelihoods of coastal
fishermen, have reduced the mortality of turtles to considerable extent.
4. Promotion of aquaculture practices around the Chilika Lake led to degradation of lake,
especially causing eutrophication in the lake. In order to preserve the lake ecosystem
and also other similar backwaters and rivers, ban of aquaculture practices imposed
upto 2 km from High Tide Line along coast, lakes, rivers and backwaters.
5. Initiation of alternate livelihood options such as poultry, eco-tourism for coastal
communities to cope up with their loss of income during periods of ban of fishing.
6. Extensive patrolling in the sea to ensure absence of fishing vessels during the period
of fishing ban and also watch keeping in beaches to prevent poaching by predators
for turtle eggs.
7. Due to closure of mouth, the Chilika Lake almost transformed into a freshwater lake
with extensive growth of weeds. Opening of new mouth in 2000 revived the brackish
water conditions which has paid rich dividends in the form of increase in biodiversity
and also abundance of exploitable fishery resources.
8. Construction of seawalls to prevent erosion of beaches north of Paradeep port and
location of dumping sites of dredged spoils based on dispersion models.

59
 9. Prescription of discharge standards for industries and their enforcement has
minimized industrial pollution in the coastal waters.
10. Even though sewage farms were constructed at Puri to handle the sewage before
disposal into the sea, the measures are still inadequate, as the seawater is continued
to be contaminated with pathogenic bacteria.

F. Justification for the project

The natural forces like storms and cyclones which prevail in varied degrees over the
years have changed the geomorphology of the beaches. In the year 2007, due to severe
constant rough sea conditions extensive erosion of beaches took place thus limiting the
beach area available for tourism and also threatening the existence of a few coastal villages.
Even in 2008 severe erosion occurred unabated along Orissa coast threatening the
existence of many habitable villages, coastal roads, agriculture fields, important beaches
and urban settlements. During the same time due to severe oceanic activity, natural
opening of mouth in Chilika Lagoon is in fact requiring immediate scientific study and action
thereafter. The focus should not be only restoration but it should be a sustainable approach
so that it will persevere the natural ecosystem.

The severe saline water ingression along Orissa coast during recent Depression
and Cyclone (sep. 2008) breached the saline embankment and brought large scale damage
to coastal casuarinas vegetation and mangroves are a matter of great concern for the State
Government. Integrated scientific study and long term sustainable measures are the
answer to such natural fury.

Orissa coast is known for its rich bio-diversity mainly – 2 internationally acclaimed
wetland ‘Ramsar sites’; one at brackish water Chilika Lagoon for its largest congregation of
migratory birds and world’s highest Irrawady Doplhin population and the other one at
Bhitarkanika for largest estuarine Crocodile and second highest varieties of mangrove
species in the world. The beaches of Gahirmatha, Devi river mouth and Rushikulya river
mouth are the world’s largest rookery of Olive Ridley sea turtle, but these days the
geographical spread of these rookery is decreasing, resulting in losing its ideal environ for
hatching as well as its natural status. The habitat of these flagship species located in the
fragile ecosystem which, represent the indicator of sustainable maintenance of food chain
and the ecosystem are need to be addressed with long term integrated planning for the
coastal area. Interventions are required to meet the recent pressure from nature and
anthropogenic sources for perpetuation of these living natural resources in their natural
habitat.

Fishermen, who form a sizable coastal community, now suffer from fishing
restrictions. It is urgently required to provide support to these communities with alternate

60
livelihood programmes through integrated public – private partnership programmes for a
sustainable food security and social security. At the same time it will reduce pressure from
both living and non-living natural resources of the coastal region.

For the panoramic view of the coast and golden beach along Orissa coast draws
tourist both from inland and abroad. Tourism along specific coastal stretches of Orissa
provides livelihood to the coastal people. In present time eco-tourism is considered to be
more eco-sustainable venture for conservation of habitat simultaneously with means of
substantial economic output to the participatory coastal community. Public – private
partnership approach is proposed in two ways – tourism in un-reserved area and in
reserved area by Wildlife wing (F&E Deptt.). This integrated approach is expected to bring
livelihood security to the coastal community.

As costal stretch of Orissa inherent a great cultural heritage, it must be protected

through an integrated coastal management plan. The approach should be through
conservation of cultural assets and monuments. These efforts of preservation are expected
to promote various alternate livelihood options on a participatory basis for the coastal
community. At the same time these sites can be used as ideal safe shelters during natural
disasters/ calamities, which bears time tested testimony of ages.

The developmental activities are essential for a growing economy especially for the
Orissa coast whose 90% of the population lives under Low income category. In order to
improve its economy status, the Government of Orissa has been planning a number of
developmental and related projects like expansion of Gopalpur port almost to the level of
Ennore port in Chennai, a major steel industry near Paradeep and construction of Dhamra
port to promote export of iron ore and coal. In order to ensure preservation of the valuable
coastal environment, rational but sustained utilization of its resources and at the same time
facilitate use of coastal zone for compatible developmental activities, it is necessary to
prepare Integrated Coastal Zone Management plans for priority sectors of the Orissa coast.
This is also mandatory as per the Coastal Regulation Zone Notification (1991) and as per
order dt.4/1/2002 issued by the Ministry of Environment and Forests (constituting State
Coastal Zone Management Authority and its functions). Considering the developmental
activities that are under execution and the likely one proposed, based on eco-sensitivity,
tourism activities/ potentials and vulnerability to cyclones, few sectors of the Orissa coast
need immediate attention for integrated management.
These proposals are expected to bear fruit through integrated approach under
Coastal Zone Management Project.

61
 Section II – The Project

A. State’s vision and strategy for ICZM

Vision:
The state of Orissa is blessed with eco-sensitive areas, occupying almost 50% of
the coastline. While sporadic nesting by turtles occurs all along the coast, mass nesting
take place at Rushikulya, Devi and Gahirmatha (Fig.25). The mangroves of Bhitarkanika
located north of Mahanadhi are the second largest mangrove formations in the country. The
beaches of Gopalpur, Puri, Konark and the Chilka lake are most attractive tourist locations
along the coast. The coastal areas except at Paradeep are virgin with least signs of
degradation. Therefore, the primary vision should be to protect and bring sustainable
development of coastal structures to mitigate the vulnerability of the coast from natural
hazards, sustainable livelihood security for local communities, conservation of ecology and
culturally significant coastal resources. This would only pave way for sustaining the present
level of pristine nature of the environment.

Fig 25: Mass nesting and sporadic Olive Ridley turtle nesting beaches of Orissa

Therefore, the ultimate goal should be:

i) To ensure major turtle mass nesting ground at Rushikulya, Devi and Gahirmatha are
undisturbed and maintaining required ambience, environment and physical
characteristics of the beaches

62
 ii) To maintain the health and productivity of Chilika lake to support the livelihood of
dependent population and to achieve and sustain the highest level of biodiversity
iii) To achieve at least the 1985 level Mangrove vegetation spread area of 3953 ha
(based on Landsat TM 5) in Bhitarkanika area by regenerating the lost mangroves/
afforestation in suitable areas
iv) To ensure availability of widest possible/ achievable beach widths in tourism
beaches for public use at Gopalpur, Konark and Puri through effective
conservative/regulatory mechanisms, and also through engineering and associated
methods
v) To protect existing sand dunes through relevant legislation and to achieve maximum
possible vegetative cover along the coast as both act as natural barriers against
cyclones and tsunamis

Developmental plans of the State along coastal stretch:

The state has proposed several developmental plans in the coming decades. The
major industries of steel, chemicals etc are planned around the Port town of Paradeep. The
Gopalpur port is being expanded. A new medium level port with 13 berths has been
approved at Dhamra and two berths are under construction at present. Tourism facilities
are proposed to be expanded at Gopalpur, Chilika, Puri, Konark etc. As a result of these
activities there would be likely increase of human population around these locations with
ribbon development of ancillary industries and related infrastructural facilities like road etc.
All such developmental proposals/ activities will have considerable bearing on natural
resources and the pristine coastal ecosystem of the coast especially the beaches, estuaries
and turtle nesting grounds.

In a coastal zone management point of view, the state of Orissa is placed

comfortably to plan for its future to achieve the goal of sustainable utilization of coastal
areas without causing any notable degradation of its’ habitats and deterioration of the
coastal water quality. This has become possible due to low scale of development along the
coast at present. If it develop ICZM plan at this stage itself, the state need not experience
adverse impacts of unplanned and incompatible development as it occurred in few other
states of the country. It is the most appropriate time that the state adopts Integrated
Coastal Zone Management (ICZM) practices in managing the coastal zone activities, to
achieve its goals.

Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM)

Definition of ICZM, its benefits and guidelines:

Integrated coastal zone management (ICZM) can be defined as a continuous and
dynamic process by which decisions are taken for the sustainable use, development, and

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protection of coastal and marine areas and resources. ICZM acknowledges the
interrelationships that exist among coastal and ocean uses and the environments they
potentially affect, and is designed to overcome the fragmentation inherent in the sectoral
management approach. ICZM is multi-purpose oriented, it analyzes and addresses
implications of development, conflicting uses, and interrelationships between physical
processes and human activities, and it promotes linkages and harmonization among
sectoral coastal and ocean activities.
The overall objective of an integrated management programme, like ICZM, is to
provide for the best long-term and sustainable use of coastal natural resources and for
perpetual maintenance of the most beneficial natural environment.

For ICZM to succeed, a broad context of government and interest group

involvement is essential. Fishing, mining, shipping, defence, public health, and recreation
are complex activities requiring cooperative management and intersectoral coordination. To
accomplish the coordination requires the full involvement of all the various stakeholders
through a comprehensive and integrated programme.

Benefits of ICZM:

ICZM programmes can:

1. Minimize costly delays in project implementation;
2. Minimize damage to the coastal environment and its resources;
3. Minimize losses to the various users (from resource depletion, access limitations,
etc.);
4. Make the most efficient use of infrastructure, information and technology available to
marine development sectors; and
5. Avoids conflicting use of coastal and marine environment.

Several examples can be given to show the impact of one activity on the other. For
example, the increasing of population leads to generation of domestic sewage and
industrial growth due to need for employment. The wastes from domestic and industrial
sources which vary in quantity and quality with time, pose serious threat to coastal ecology
as well as fisheries. The fish species are normally dependent upon certain specific species
for feeding and increase of pollution may lead to either disappearance of the food species
or succeeded by another species which will be resistant to pollution. The succeeded
species may not be preferred as a food to the fish which ultimately leads to reduction in
number of the fish population.

Such similar impacts can occur due to changes in catchment areas of rivers.
Construction of dams and diversion of freshwater leads to reduced flow of freshwater in
rivers which alters the salinity in estuaries. A few fish species are salinity dependent for

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their breeding and spawning tend to show decline in population. Such reduction in
freshwater flow also affects the coastal aquifers. Excessive drawl of ground water leads to
intrusion of salt water and it is needless to say about these impacts.

Similarly accretion and erosion due to construction of breakwaters is common is

harbour areas. Loss of beach areas affects tourism and it reduces land area available for
fish landing centres.

B. Project objectives and Key indicators

Keeping the present level of key issues such as turtle and mangrove conservation,
coastal erosion, loss of tourism beaches, siltation of mouth of Chilika Lake, salt water
ingress in paddy fields, alternate livelihood resources, fisheries development, establishment
and operation of ports and use of coastal space for developmental activities, the project
objectives are to apply the process of ICZM to:
• to regain lost protect beaches of Pentha to facilitate nesting by turtles and to prevent
salt water ingress in coastal paddy fields
• to ensure safety to human life during natural disasters
• to ensure protection of ecologically sensitive areas such as Bhitarkanika, Gahirmata
and Chilika through habitat restoration programmes and develop management action
programmes for their sustained maintenance
• to develop alternate livelihood sources such as resource augmentation means
cultural and eco-tourism for the coastal population affected due to habitat restoration
and resource conservation programmes
• to develop a mechanism for sound management of environmental quality in the
industrial regions of Paradeep and its implementation
• to promote environmentally, socially and co-sectoral compatible developmental
activities along the coast

Key indicators:

• availability beach habitats for mass nesting by turtles and salt water ingress in paddy
fields prevented
• facilities/ shelter available to coastal population during disasters
• gradual increase in mangrove vegetation areas in Bhitarkanika to reach at least 1985
level
• no or minimum death of turtles due to fishing activities
• abundance of birds and more citing of dolphins in Chilika
• alternate livelihood options available providing livelihood securities to coastal
communities of Gahirmata, Bhitarkanika and Chilika
• near clean environment around Paradeep

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C. Project’s guiding principles and Key design features

In order to accomplish the objectives, the main guiding principles conceived are:

1. Recognize and respect cross-sectoral issues: It means that the interrelationships, or

interdependence, among issues like coastal erosion and salt water ingress; conservation of
biodiversity and consequent restriction on livelihood option to resource dependent
population; and development of ports and loss of tourism beaches, need to be realized and
adverse impacts need to be addressed and resolved. In contrast to past thinking and past
practices, environmental protection and development/ livelihood opportunities cannot be
considered as separate activities; each one must incorporate the other.

2. Ensure habitat protection for sustaining biodiversity: It means that the protection of
physical nature of the habitat which gets destroyed due to natural and human intervention
be ensured. Also protect the endangered animals or rare habitats from human activities

3. Respect the rights of coastal fishing communities over the resources of the
coastal zone: It means that the coastal communities would continue to depend on
resources of coastal waters like fish to meet their livelihoods and their needs including
enhancing their living standards have to be incorporated in coastal resource development
planning processes. Where the biodiversity conservation measures constrain fishing
activities, alternate livelihood sources need to be assured to the dependent coastal
communities.

4. Ensure adequate Environmental safeguards: This principle relates to prevention of

environmental harm through anticipatory measures to prevent harm rather than through
post hoc efforts to repair it or provide compensation for it. This applies to proposed
environmental management in the Paradeep – Dhamra Port sectors.

5. Promote sustainable and rational utilization of coastal space for promoting

economy: It means that the land space that are unsuitable for productive uses such as
agriculture, be used to develop industries, ports etc after a thorough evaluation of its
compatibility to environment, resources, society and other activities prevailing in the coastal
zone.

Key Design Features:

1. Integration of activities is the principal design feature of ICZM Project in which inter
sectoral teams formed by Government Departments and Agencies will carry out
their activities in an integrated manner to deal with problems of coastal region and

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 will deal the situation more effectively utilizing traditional and appropriate
technologies.

2. Pilot projects will be undertaken for clear cut solutions for conservation and
protection of the coastal environment. Therefore these pilot will be initiated to have
learning experiences which can be replicated if successful (e.g. sea wall formation
by geosynthetic tube to decrease wave energy to check coastal erosion at Pentha)

3. Participation of coastal community will be also the key design feature for alternative
and ecotourism, coir making, etc. The mechanism of undertaking activities of ICZM
Project mechanism will be through/ involvement of SHGs, CBOs and other
community based groups of coastal stretch to achieve sustainable livelihood
security for local communities

4. Creating enabling environment to deal with disasters, common in coastal stretch

and to manage the facilities like multipurpose cyclone shelters and mangrove
plantation utilising lessons learnt from earlier similar projects (e.g. construction of
multipurpose cyclone shelters by OSDMA and protection of coast by mangrove
plantation after 1999 super cyclone in Orissa along vulnerable coastal stretches

5. Preservation of cultural heritage and monuments along coastal stretch will be under
taken through the involvement of expert bodies like INTACH. No modern
construction materials will be used, if not necessary.
The preservation of cultural environment through protection of cultural assets is
expected to promote tourism and thus will help in providing livelihood opportunity to
coastal community through participatory activities like involvement in service sector,
transport sector and food venture etc. These protected monuments will also be used
as safe shelters during disasters/ natural calamities.

6. Augmentation of coastal environment monitoring system (proposed at Paradeep) is

to empower Orissa State Pollution Control Board for monitoring all necessary
parameters of ambient environment to ascertain the management practices and
developing rational planning for pollution abetment activities for proposed industrial
ventures along coastal stretches in future

7. Pilot projects planned for solid waste management at Paradeep municipality area is
to promote awareness among urban communities, industrial houses and port trust to
develop as an exemplary practice for other urban areas in the coast as well as
inland parts of the state

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 8. Perpetuation of rich biodiversity of Orissa coast can only be maintained through
rational planning of habitat management, protection of important habitat flagship
flora and fauna, updating knowledge through research and empowerment of
analytical ability of concerned inter-sectoral Departments and Agencies

9. Specific scientific studies along coastal region is to generate data & prepare rational
coastal management plan keeping view to the objectives of CRZ/ CMZ plans to deal
with coastal vulnerability

D. Project Area Description:

The project aiming at adoption of the concept of ICZM practices while dealing with
multi-sectoral activities, proposes to address priority areas of concern in the two sectors
namely Gopalpur to Chilika and Paradeep to Dhamra. (Fig.26)

Fig 26: Map of Orissa indicating project areas (red band)

Gopalpur – Chilika:
The coastal stretch is about 120 km. The only township along the coast is Gopalpur
having a population of about 7000 people (2001 Census). The Gopalpur-on-Sea (19° 16’ N
and 84° 55 E) is a semi-urban town and an important tourist site along the south Orissa
coast. Immediately north of the Gopalpur, a small body of backwater i.e., the Haripur creek
joins the sea in a northeasterly direction. It is fed by monsoonal stream and at the peak of
the rainy season; the fishermen cut open the beach and establish a connection between the

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creek and the sea for aquaculture purposes. During northeast monsoon the bar formation
closes the mouth and the water body is separated from the Bay of Bengal for the rest of the
year. Between two Semi-perennial Rivers, the coastline is completely sandy stretch with
wide backshore of 100-150m.

Well-developed sand dunes with continuous ridges running parallel to the shore are
conspicuously present along the entire coast. The rear dunes are stable with typical dune
vegetation and casuarinas plantation. Along backshore there are scattered secondary
dunes of different dimensions. Dunes are 8 to 10m high. These dunes are important
sources of heavy mineral concentrates. A Rare Earth Factory (Indian Rare Earths Limited)
is functioning 8km north of Gopalpur near a fishing village - Arjyapalli. An open coast
seasonal port was constructed in 1987 by excavating the basin on the backshore near IRE
limited and connecting it to the sea through a channel across the beach. Presently, various
structures are under constructions with an intention to convert the port into an all weather
full-fledged port. The major issue of Gopalpur is erosion of tourist beaches and to further
north of the new Port.

The zone adjacent to Gopalpur is Rushikulya and a river with same name flows into
the Bay of Bengal. The mouth region of the river and adjoining beaches upto 5 km are
areas known for mass nesting by Olive Ridley turtles. The beaches are fairly wide with
sparse beach vegetation and within human habitation limit. In the year 2006, on 16-17th
February, about 121, 500 Olive Ridleys nested in a single event within 1.5-km stretch on
the northern side river mouth. The second phase of nesting occurred during 4th and 5th April
2006 and about 90,000 turtles nested within a stretch of one-kilometer beach, north of
earlier nesting beach. In the Year 2008 about 90,000 turtles nested in the area. Due to its
sensitivity the zone is restricted for fishing upto 20 km in the sea during November to April.
The major issue in this zone is protection of turtles, erosion of beaches and limited
livelihood opportunities to the fishing community due to ban on fishing during nesting
seasons.

The zone adjacent to Rushikulya is Chilika. It is the Asia’s largest brackish water
lagoon. Chilika is the largest lagoon along the east coast of India, situated between
latitude 190 28’ and 190 54’ N and longitude 850 05’ and 850 38’ E. The lagoon is a unique
assemblage of marine, brackish and fresh water eco-system with estuarine characters. It
is one of the hotspots of biodiversity and shelters a number of endangered species listed
in the IUCN red list of threatened species, and also is a designated Ramsar site. It is an
avian grandeur and the wintering ground for more than one million migratory birds. The
highly productive lagoon eco-system with its rich fishery resources sustains the livelihood
of more than 0.15 million-fisher folk who live in and around the Lagoon. The water spread
area of the Lagoon varies between 1165 to 906 sq.km during the monsoon and summer

69
respectively. A 32 km long, narrow, outer channel connects the lagoon to the Bay of
Bengal, near the village Motto.

The total number of fish species is reported to be 225. Along with a variety of
phytoplankton, algae and aquatic plants, the Lagoon region also supports over 720 species
of non-aquatic plants. A survey of the fauna of Chilika carried out by the Zoological Survey
of India in 1985-87 recorded over 800 species in and around the lagoon. Most notable and
endangered species also included in the Schedule-1 of the Wildlife (Protection) Act
available in the lagoon are as follows:
• Barkudia insularis, a limbless lizard/skink (this skink is named after the “Barukuda”
island of the lake);
• an aquatic mammal i.e., Irrawaddy dolphin, Orcaella brevirostris ,
• Fishing cat( Felis viverrina),
• White bellied sea eagle (Haliaeetus leucogaster), White spoon bill (Platalea
leucorodia), Osprey (Pandion haliaetus), and
• Spoon billed sandpiper (Eurynorhynchus pygmeus).
• Olive Ridley sea turtle (Lepidochelys olivacea)

On account of its rich bio-diversity, Chilika was designated as a "Ramsar Site", i.e.
a wetland of International Importance. The Nalaban Island within the Lagoon is notified as
a Bird Sanctuary under Wildlife (Protection) Act, the lagoon is also identified as a priority
site for conservation and management by the National Wetland coral reefs Committee of
Ministry of Environment & Forests, Government of India. The Lagoon is a highly
productive ecosystem and with its rich fishery resources sustains the livelihood of more
than 1,50,000 fisher folk who live in and around the lagoon.

Chilika ecosystem had been encountering a number of problem and threat like –
siltation, shrinkage of water spread area, choking of the inlet channel as well as shifting of
the mouth connecting to the sea, decrease in salinity and fishery resources, proliferation
of fresh water invasive species, and an over-all loss of biodiversity more so the decline in
the productivity adversely affecting the livelihood of the community who depend on it. The
lagoon was placed in the Montreux record in the year 1993 by Ramsar bureau due to
change in its ecological characters. Being concerned with the degradation of the lagoon
ecosystem Chilika Development Authority (CDA) was created in 1992, for restoration and
overall development of the lagoon.

The spatial and temporal salinity gradients that exist in Chilika give it the unique
characteristics of an estuarine eco-system, exercising a continuous and selective
influence on its biota. The transformation of the lagoon towards a fresh water ecosystem
was considered as a potential threat to its unique ecosystem. To address this problem,

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CDA commissioned a study to study the problem of siltation and develop a suitable
solution. The studies concluded that the tidal influx into the lagoon was considerably
reduced because of the shoal formation along the lead channel and continuous shifting of
the mouth that resulted in significant hydraulic head loss. The mouth connecting the
channel to the sea is close to the northeastern end of the Lagoon. Following the
recommendations made by the study, an artificial mouth was opened on 23rd September
2000, which reduced the length of the outflow channel by 18 km. This is considered as
historic in the restoration ecology. Desiltation of the lead channel was completed before
opening the new mouth. The environment impact assessment and the monitoring of the
lagoon ecosystem were carried out by National Institute of Oceanography, Goa, before
and after the intervention. Monitoring results indicated that there is a marked improvement
in the lagoon ecosystem.
The opening of the artificial mouth and the de-siltation of the lead channel not only
rejuvenated the lagoon ecosystem but also immensely benefited the fisher folk whose
average annual income increased by more than Rs. 50,000 per annum per family. This
has resulted in the desired improvement of the salinity regime of the lagoon. Marked
improvement in the fishery resources of the lagoon as the gradual reduction in the salinity
from the lagoon mouth to the lagoon proper after the opening of the mouth is providing the
desirable sense of direction for the eurohaline forms to enter into the lagoon from the sea.
This is facilitating the auto-recruitment of the fish, prawn, and crab juvenile into the lagoon
resulting in remarkable improvement of the fishery resources. However, the recent
investigations indicate increasing freshwater weeds and decreasing salinity showing that
the seawater inflow through the new mouth has been decreasing due to siltation.
Therefore, unless the intervention of dredging is renewed, the lake will return to pre-2000
freshwater condition.

Paradeep to Dhamra

Paradeep - its environs and issues:

Paradeep has a population of 76325. Port of Paradeep is the primary seaport in the
Indian state of Orissa. Paradeep port handling most coal and iron ore it is an artificial
harbour which accepts sea traffic via man made lagoons. Three major industries namely
Paradeep Phosphate Ltd and 2 fertilizer industries are located in Paradeep. It is emerging
as a major investment in India with several upcoming steel plants including a gigantic $12
billion plant by POSCO, alumina refineries, thermal power plants, and a petrochemical
complex. Paradeep will become one of the five or six major Special Economic & Investment
Regions planned in India.

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 The Port started as a mono-commodity port for export of Iron Ore in a single berth
has now 13 berths handling a variety of cargoes such as Thermal Coal, Coking Coal,
Chrome Ore, Manganese Ore, Semi-processed Ores like Charge Chrome, Ferro Chrome,
Ferro Manganese, Limestone, Hard Coke, Ingots and Moulds, Billets and Steel materials,
Dead- burnt magnetite, Scrap, Fertilizer, Food-grains, containers and Reefer cargo. There
are two captive berths at the port operated by Paradeep Phosphates Ltd [PPL] and Oswal
Chemicals and Fertilizers Ltd [OCFL]. These berths handle dry and liquid fertilizer raw
materials such as Phosphoric Acid, Ammonia, Sulphur, Rock Phosphate. The port has
also completed and commissioned another Mechanized loading plant during September
2001 which can handle 20 million tonns of Thermal Coal per annum. During the year
2006-07, 1452 vessels with a cargo of 38.52 million tons were handled at the port.

The following are the developmental plans for the port.

a. A clean berth is proposed to be set up at the port on BOT basis to handle about 1
million tons of cargo.

b. Indian Oil Corporation [IOC] are in the process of setting a refinery at Paradeep and
a Single Buoy Mooring[ SBM] about 20 Km off the coast to import crude through
Very Large Crude Carriers [VLCCS].These facilities when commissioned will add
about 15 million ton of cargo to the present volume.

c. A second mechanized iron ore loading plant, a deep draught berth to service cape
size vessels of 1.25 Lakh ton DWT is also proposed to be set up at the port on BOT
basis. The capacity of the berth will be 10.0 million ton per annum.

d. The State Government has also shown keen interest in development of industries
around Paradeep Port. A MOU has been signed between Industrial Development
Corporation of Orissa (IDCO) and Bang Pakong Industrial Park (BPIP) for
developing 7000 hectares of land to set up an industrial park at Paradeep.

Industries around Paradeep:

Paradeep Phosphate Ltd and Oswal Chemicals and Fertilizers producing
nitrogenous and phosphate fertilizers are the major industries in Paradeep.

Natural Disasters
Paradeep and surrounding areas are frequently affected by storms and cyclones. Details of
3 major cyclones affected in this area are: (Table 9)

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 Table 9: Major cyclones in the Paradeep area

Sl. No Date Location Damage

1 30 Oct. 1971 Paradeep Water levels up to 6 m. The surge

penetrated 25 km inland. 10,000 deaths.

2 1-4 Jun. 1982 Between 2 m surges along the Orissa & West Bengal
Paradeep & coasts. Peak surge of 4.8 m 35 km north of
Chandbali Dhamra harbour. 245 deaths.

3. 18-28 Paradeep 10 m surge. 13 million people affected. 1.6

Oct.1999 million tones cargo damaged

During the 1999 super cyclone, the seawater penetrated deep inland through Mahanadhi
river and tributaries extensively damaged crops, houses etc.

Environmental issues:

The two major environmental issues of Paradeep are beach erosion north of
Paradeep and phosphate pollution caused by the two fertilizer industries. The high net
littoral drift towards north at Paradeep coast is being obstructed by southern breakwater,
which has led the accretion of south and erosion on north side of Paradeep port coastline.
A seawall of about 5 km length was constructed (1973-79) from the northern breakwater
along the coast to prevent and control erosion of the shoreline besides sand pumping from
south. The seawall is found to be successful to certain extent, however, its effect was
noticed in deepening/ scouring of the coast, which has resulted in shoreward shifting of the
5 m contour by about 600 m. This might have caused scouring of southern banks of
Mahanadi estuary posing a threat of erosion

Bhitarkanika - Gahirmata coast:

Dhamara - Paradeep stretch of the coastal Orissa includes Bhitarkanika which is

both a sanctuary and National Park. (Fig.26). It is good representative of mangrove wetland
ecosystem having high genetic and ecological diversity. The floral diversity of Bhitarkanika
is known to be the largest in India and second largest after Papua New Guinea. It is one of
the best reptile refuges in the entire country as well as in the whole of South East Asia
region. The coastal waters adjoining Bhitarkanika is a marine sanctuary known as the
Gahirmatha marine wildlife sanctuary.

This site epitomises the merging of four different eco-systems namely terrestrial,
fresh water, estuarine and marine ecosystems, and shows all variations in genetic, specific
and ecological diversity of both plant and animal communities. The peripheral areas in the
buffer zone are dotted with numerous ornithologically important wetlands.
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 The site contains the most important and significant natural habitats for in-situ
conservation of biological diversity containing 5 Amphibian species, 42 Reptilian species,
217 Bird species and 30 Mammalian species. It includes 27 threatened species of
outstanding universal value from the academic and conservation point of view. It includes
Schedule-I animals of different categories namely Mammals (8 species), Birds (3 species)
and Reptiles (16 species). As such the area is a treasure trove for botanical and zoological
studies and research.

The site contains 300 plant species including both mangroves and non- mangroves.
The wetland supports one of the largest mangrove plant diversity in India, and comprises of
82 species of mangroves and its associates. It harbours three varieties of Sundari trees
(Heritiera sps.) including Heritiera kanikensis which is an endemic species.
It is home to the largest population of the endangered estuarine crocodiles (C.
porosus) in the Indian Sub-continent. The largest living crocodile in the world (23’+) is a
denizen of this site (Guinness Book of World Record, 1994). Bhitarkanika also contains a
high density of the India’s largest water monitor lizard (Varanus salvator).

Species diversity of birds at this site is 269 including more than 60 species of
migratory waterfowl (about 0.2 million birds). It has a site for community nesting of aquatic
birds (heronry), where 12 wetland bird species nest and roost together annually (June to
October) and rears the fledglings. It is also home to eight varieties of kingfishers including a
sizeable population of endangered Brown-winged kingfishers.

The mangrove ecosystem in the Bramhani- Baitarani- Mahanadi deltaic complex is

the nursery and spawning ground of several species of fish, prawn and crabs as well as
other invertebrates. It is also the breeding ground of several rare and endangered species
of wildlife. The area is also home to a primitive tribe locally known as ‘Daleis’ who are living
in harmony with the ecosystem. The entire project area is an outstanding example of
dynamic land developmental processes including both accretion and erosion.

Gahirmatha is a sandy coast situated (Lat 200 52 ‘to 200 72’ N and Long 800 77’ to
870 05’ E) in Kendrapara district, Rajanagar taluk on the northeastern part of Orissa state in
India (Fig 19).

The massive arribada nesting of the Olive Ridley turtles along the Gahirmatha coast
in Orissa is a unique phenomenon. To provide protection and proper management for Olive
Ridley turtle breeding and nesting ground of Gahirmatha, the Government of Orissa has
declared it as a Marine Sanctuary in 1997. The fishing area of Gahirmatha coast became
restricted in 1993 and fishing was completely banned in this area in 1997, when
Gahirmatha was given the status of a Marine Sanctuary

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 Fig 27: Boundary of Marine Sanctuary in Gahirmatha

The core area of the sanctuary is 725 sq. km where fishing is prohibited throughout
the year (Fig.27). This has an average width of 11 km offshore of Ekakulanasi in the North
– East and an average width of 10 km from Barunei muhana to Mahanadi muhana.

The Buffer zone stretches over an average width of 10 km where fishing is restricted
during the nesting season from December to April. The nesting population of olive ridley
turtles along the east coast, particularly along the Gahirmatha coast ranges from 50,000
(1988) to 7,00,000 (2000).

Dhamra:

Dhamra is a fishing village located on the banks of river Dhamra (Fig.28). It is a

seasonal river causing high level of turbidity. Due to high sediments flow, extensive mud
flats, mangroves exist along the mouth of the river and it is shallow. Major activity is fishing.
The information on exact number of fishing trawlers operating in the area is not available

75
 Fig 28: Map showing Dhamra Port, channels & Gahirmatha

Economic activities:

Besides fishing, the other major activity planned at Dhamra is construction of a

private deep water port (Fig 20). The port is located on the coast north of northern arm of
Dhamra River. The phase 1 is under construction and expected to be completed in 2010.
Phase I will handle imports of coking coal, steam/thermal coal, limestone and export of iron
ore. The port at Dhamra will be the deepest port of India with a draught of 18 meters, which
can accommodate super cape-size vessels up to 180,000 DWT. The master plan provides
for 13 berths, capable of handling more than 83 million MT per annum of dry bulk, liquid
bulk, break bulk and containerized cargo.

During Phase-I, the company is constructing two fully mechanized berths of 350
meters each along with backup facilities The Company is also laying a 62 kilometers rail
link from Dhamra to Bhadrak on the main Howrah-Chennai line. The estimated capacity of
Phase-I is 25 million MT per annum.

Priority areas of Concern in the Project domain:

Both the areas have eco-sensitive Ramsar sites namely Chilika and Bhitarkanika,
besides the turtle nesting beaches at Rushikulya near Gopalpur. The Industrial sector
mostly confines to Paradeep with the location of three major industries. A chemical industry
is located at Ganjam near Gopalpur. Considering the eco-sensitive nature of the coast and

76
need to conserve ecology and ensure maintenance of compatible environment quality and
at the same time keeping in mind the socio-economic issues of resource dependent
population, the following priority areas of concern have been identified:

i. Coastal Erosion and associated oceanographic processes

ii. Vulnerability to disaster
iii. Biodiversity conservation
iv. Livelihood security
v. Pollution/ Environmental quality management
vi. Improvement and conservation of cultural/ archaeological assets.

Brief descriptions of these priority areas are;

Coastal erosion: The problem of coastal erosion has been increasing over the last few
years at Pentha, a fishing village, located north of Paradeep. The Low Water Line has
advanced by 340m from 2003 to 2007, indicating a rate of erosion of 85m per annum,
which is severe. As a result, the beaches that are the nesting habitats of turtles were lost
and the coastal land which is being mostly used for agriculture is facing a threat of salt
water intrusion. Therefore, there is an immediate need to prevent/control erosion, for which
a project component of erosion has been proposed.

The coast of Orissa has been facing increased threat of erosion with the problem
has been growing in the sectors of Gopalpur, Paradeep and Satbhaya. The impact of
Dhamra Port on movement of sediment near the turtle sensitive beaches of Nasi islands is
little known. In order to plan any remedial measure to control or prevent erosion or to
identify the areas that are prone to erosion, a thorough understanding of oceanographic
processes prevailing along the coast is required. Such an understanding will provide valid
information of sediment transport along the coast, which largely determines the accretion/
erosion pattern of a beach/coast. This information is also helpful in planning the locations of
new ports or in the assessment of impacts of ports under construction/ proposed along the
Orissa coast. Such an impact assessment is essential to plan any advance or parallel
remedial measures to prevent erosion of beaches. Therefore, a separate component on
Regional processes studies for both the sectors (Gopalpur – Dhamra and Pardeep to
Dhamra) has been proposed under the present project.

Mitigation of impact of disasters: the coast of Orissa faces often the brunt of cyclone and
storms. The extent of loss of life has been minimized over the years, except during the
1999 Super cyclone, the population displaced during the cyclonic weather conditions have
not decreased. The obvious reason is very large coastal communities belonging to the low
income group live in semi-permanent structures or in thatched huts. These houses cannot
withstand the brunt of stormy weather and get damaged during the cyclonic weather

77
conditions. As a result, the people need shelter during the cyclonic period and the special
buildings such as cyclone shelters with essential amenities are most needed structures at
that time. The 23 numbers of Red Cross cyclone shelters constructed before 1999 saved
thousands of life. Thereafter, the Govt of Orissa through the Orissa Disaster Mitigation
Authority (OSDMA) constructed 97 shelters and 41 are under construction. A study
conducted revealed that as the significant impact of cyclones and associated floods are
experienced upto 10 km from the coast. While still the precise estimates are being made to
work out the number of shelters required, as an immediate requirement to the people living
within 2 km from coast and vulnerable to cyclone, few more shelters are felt to be essential
to ensure safety to human. These shelters are proposed at the villages of Pentha,
Manuaplalli, Petachhala and Badatubi in Kendrapara district, Samalanasi and
Madhurchuan in Ganjam Dist., and Jamuna, Titipa, Alanda, Jharkota, Khirisahi, Belamunda,
Khatiakudiand and Gumbai in Puri Districts. It is estimated that it will provide shelter to at
least 22,000 people.

Biodiversity conservation: With increasing human impacts on natural ecosystems, it has

become paramount of importance to preserve and conserve biodiversity. Orissa being one
of the least disturbed coastal areas in the country has many ecologically sensitive areas in
near pristine stage. The prominent ecosystems in the project area include, Chilika lake,
turtle nesting grounds at Rushikulya and Gahirmata and Bhitarkanika mangroves.
Bhitarkanika which is both a sanctuary and National Park is a good representative of
mangrove wetland ecosystem having high genetic and ecological diversity. The floral
diversity of Bhitarkanika is known to be the largest in India. It is one of the best reptile
refuges in the entire country as well as sanctuary of birds. The coastal waters adjoining
Bhitarkanika is a marine sanctuary known as the Gahirmatha marine wildlife sanctuary
which is the world’s largest Olive Ridley turtle grounds. 1435 sq.km sea area covering upto
20 km from the coast has been declared as protected area and fishing is banned during the
nesting period, October to March. Frequent floods in the riverine systems eroded banks of
the mangrove areas and marginal encroachment in the peripheral areas and also
exploitation of mangrove trees for fuel by local people are the major problems that affect the
coverage of mangroves. Innocent fishing and poaching in the marine wild life area cause
mortality of turtles as often these turtles get entangled in the trawl nets. Both these bio
resources, which are nature’s gifts to the state, need conservation measures, to ensure the
existence of biological diversity along with abundance in the long-term manner. Under the
project, plantation of mangrove vegetation in;

i. Bhitarkanika and Rushikulya areas and casuarinas plantation in coastal areas,

ii. Intensive patrolling in the sea against intrusion of fishing trawlers in turtle breeding
areas,

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 iii. Patrolling in turtle nesting beaches etc will be undertaken. Research to update the
species level information on Dolphin and birds will be undertaken in Chilika. The
environmental quality monitoring mechanism will be also enhanced by strengthening
the laboratory facilities.

Livelihood security: The coastal communities in Orissa, especially the people living close
to the coast, largely work as agricultural labourers and involved in small to medium scale
fishing in estuarine and marine areas. Out of 480 km long coastline, nearly 180 km
coastline upto 20 km of turtle sanctuary is banned for fishing for 6 months. Further, 45 days
fishing ban prevailing along the east coast in the months of April and May also applicable to
Orissa. The monsoon months of June to September are not conducive for fishing. The
protected mangrove areas of Bhitarkanika are also declared as No fishing zones. Therefore
due to restricted fishing opportunities, significant fishing population seek alternate sources
of employment, often migrating to nearby urbanized areas and work as construction
labourers. In order to ensure livelihood security, several alternate livelihood options such
as crab fattening, diary & goattery, coir making, value added product development and eco-
tourism are planned in the Chilika area under the present project. Eco-tourism opportunities
are also planned through innovative methods in the Bhitarkanika area.

Pollution/ Environmental quality management: The state of Orissa to achieve a good

economic growth in the state is promoting developmental activities such as establishment
of ports and industries, especially in the Paradeep-Dhamra sector. Besides three major
industries at Paradeep, a few more in the steel, power and petroleum sectors are under
establishment. These industries are likely to add marginally to the pollution load in the
estuarine and coastal waters of Paradeep. The area being adjoining to the Olive Ridley
turtle nesting grounds, a vigilant, reliable and effective environmental management system
with a strong component of monitoring of air and water quality has become imperative.
Accordingly, Solid Waste Management systems in Paradeep like collection, segregation
and transport of solid waste, backfilling, plantation, vermin composting and awareness
generation and a well instrumented laboratory along with required manpower and
monitoring strategy has been proposed to ensure long-term management of environment
quality in the region.

Improvement and conservation of cultural/ archaeological assets: The state of Orissa

is one of the culturally rich states in the country with historical monuments and religious
establishments like temples located in significant numbers all over the state. Due to
corrosion of temple structures due to their proximity to the coast, many monuments and
temples located near the coast are in a damaged/ dilapidated stage. Generally, temples in

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the country, form as a source of income generation through small scale self employment.
The coastal areas are facing the pressure of unemployment and the reasons have been
described in the section on livelihood security. Further, monuments and temples are being
used as a shelter to accommodate displaced population during the natural disasters such
as cyclones and floods. Any improvement and conservation of cultural and archaeological
assets will attract tourism and thus provide a livelihood opportunity to the coastal population
as well as availability of increased number of shelters during cyclones. Therefore, as a part
of tourism promotion, livelihood options and disaster mitigation strategies, the above activity
of improvement and conservation of cultural/ archaeological assets is of significance at
least at a few locations along the coast.

E. Project Description and Scope

As stated, the project aims to solve the pressing and emerging issues in the coastal
zone which are inter-sectoral in nature by adopting the ICZM practices. The issues relating
to conservation of biodiversity especially the endangered turtles and mangroves are chiefly
implemented through relevant legislations, which prohibit exploitation of fishery resources in
the sea upto 20 km from the coast and also the resources in the mangrove area. As a result,
about 26,861 fishermen are facing a challenge to meet their livelihood, thus making both
the issues of biodiversity and socio-economies as inter-related. Unless, the livelihood
opportunities are created, the fisher folk continue to suffer and may also indulge into fishing
in prohibited areas which ultimately defeat the objective of conserving the biodiversity.
Keeping such a need in mind, the project has identified livelihood opportunities as one of
the key aspects of ICZM to be dealt with. The major activities proposed under the project
relating to conservation and increasing livelihood opportunities are:

i) Intensifying patrolling through modern crafts,

ii) Aforestation in mangrove areas ,

iii) Crocodile hatchery

iv) Eco-tourism in Bhitarkanika mangroves and Chilika lagoon, cultural and religious
tourism promotion by maintaining and up keeping the dilapidated archeological sites
and temples

v) Brackishwater aquaculture with crabs and fishes,

vi) Diary and goattery

vii) Coir making and

viii) Value added fishery and other products

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 The project implementation areas are the biodiversity rich areas such as Chilika,
Bhitarkanika and Gahirmata. Geographical description of these habitats is given in the
previous sections of this document.

Beaches form as the only habitat for nesting of turtles in the Gahirmata sanctuary
area. Due to natural forces, such as wave action, the beaches face severe erosion, which
has been increasing over the years. Severe erosion has been noticed in the turtle nesting
beaches of Satabhaya and Pentha near Paradeep. The eroding beaches also pose threat
of seawater intrusion into the agricultural fields located adjacent to the coast. Therefore to
facilitate integrated management of the coast, especially to make available beaches for
nesting by turtles and also to prevent salt water intrusion in the paddy fields, environment
friendly anti-coastal erosion measures have been proposed under the project.

The biodiversity of the coastal waters are also affected by the water quality. The
larvae and juveniles normally grow in the nursery areas like estuaries, mangroves,
backwaters and in near shore waters. These developmental stages are sensitive to water
quality especially the chemical elements. The coastal areas of Paradeep to Dhamra, being
rich in biodiversity, have been proposed for utilization industrial and port developments. The
discharges from industries and port operations may cause localized alteration of chemical
characteristics of seawater which may affect the biological organisms. Comparative studies
carried out on abundance of biodiversity between clean coastal areas with that of polluted
areas, have shown significant differences in diversity index showing higher index in clean
areas. Therefore, maintenance of safe water quality through effective environmental
management system in the proposed industrial development areas of Paradeep, is
essential to ensure sustained existence of present level of biodiversity. Accordingly, under
the project, it has been proposed to create sophisticated laboratory facilities at Paradeep,
for monitoring the air and water quality so that effective control measures can be taken
whenever the water quality exceeds the prescribed safe limits. Monitoring the levels of a
wide range of chemical parameters including toxic heavy metals and few essential
biological parameters that are indicative of industrial and domestic pollution respectively is
an essential component of the activity. A pollution assessment strategy on the impact of
pollution to socio-economics of the region has also been made part of the activity.

Scope:

Considering the major issue of conservation of biodiversity and associated socio-

economic and environmental concerns, the main scope of the project is to conserve
biodiversity by means of protecting the habits of endangered species, mangroves etc by
effectively addressing the inter-sectoral issues such as need for improvement of socio-

81
economic conditions of resource dependent population, preserving environmental quality
and protecting the physical nature of the habitats.

F. Project Components and component description

F.1. Construction of shore protection measures at Pentha

As stated before, Pentha, an agricultural village near Paradeep, the Low Water Line
has advanced by 340m from 2003 to 2007, indicating a rate of erosion of 85m per annum,
which is severe. Earlier, ICMAM-Project Directorate had made a beach morphodynamics
survey during 2004-06 for the Gahirmatha (Satbhaya village to the Dhamara River mouth
about ~20km) coastline, 18km north of Pentha. The results clearly indicate that the entire
coast is experiencing erosion at the rate of nearly 80 to 100m per year at certain stretches
and as a result, the High Water Line (HTL) is shifting towards the land. A comparative
analysis of 1972 topo sheets and the recent satellite images indicate that nearly 200 –
300m of the coastline has receded landward, which is also in conformity with the available
records and the local villagers statements. This long term trend of erosion could be mainly
due to the predominance of high wave activity as most of the time the cyclone crosses the
coast at this segment, lower quantity of fluvial sand supply from the Mahanadi and
tributaries rivers and entrapment or diversion of northerly littoral drift after the construction
of Paradeep port. The impacts have been felt since the inception and functioning of the
Hirakud dam (1956) and the Paradeep port (1964) in the late part of 1960’s and in
successive decades.

As per the inputs and observations provided by the local villagers and the Water
resources department of Government of Orissa, that the stretch of the coast adjacent to
Pentha village is under continuous erosion for the last few years and in July 2007, the
erosion was severe and the saline embankment was at stake. One of the basic reasons is
that during 2007- southwest monsoon months, the Orissa coast experienced frequent
depressions and cyclonic storm within a short span of time. The physiography of the
surrounding area of Pentha indicates that the area is located in the northern side of the
Hukitola Bay, north of Mahanadi mouth showing growth of long sand spit extending
northwards that diverts sediment supply towards offshore and so shore of Pentha is
undernourished. The bathymetry data indicates that the Hukitola bay is quite shallow. Wave
data derived from satellite wind data indicated that high wave activity is noticed during July
and August 2007, with persistent high wave heights for a longer duration, which is the
possible reason for severe coastal erosion along the Pentha coast. Comparison of wave
height distribution for SW monsoon and NE monsoon showed that the latter was less
severe during 2007.

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Present activities:

The severe erosion reduces beach width, thereby leading to loss of habitats for
nesting by turtles and also reducing the buffer or barrier between the embankments
protecting the agricultural field from salt water. The Water Resources Department has taken
temporary measures like piling of sand bags close to waterline to dissipate the wave energy.
This has delayed the process of erosion and however, the measure is inadequate
considering the high energy that wave action exerts on the coast.

Proposed activities:

In order to find a long-term solution to the problem of erosion and also to recover the
beach areas that were lost in the past, anti-erosion control measures such as deployment
of geosynthetic tubes at a depth of 4 to 5 m in the sea, to dampen the wave force have
been planned under the project. As a result of the deployment of tubes in the sea, the wave
energy at coast will be minimized and settlement of sand will take place between 4 m depth
and the shore. Over the years, the lost beach will be regained. This method has been
proved to effective at several locations in the world, even though such attempt has been
made in India so far. Under the project, additional preventive measures such as vegetative
cover behind the beach also proposed in order to stabilize the coast. The following aspects
have been proposed in this regard:

(a) Laying of geosynthetic tubes in the seabed for a length of 700 m after deciding the
depth and alignment through modeling studies, to reduce wave energy on the coast
and also facilitating settlement of sand between the tubes and the coast. This acts as
a first layer defense to the coast against strong wave action which is responsible for
causing erosion.

(b) Coastal aforestration as the next layer from the present beach towards the land to
stabilize the beach and to act as a second line of defense.

(c) Construction of the embankment in the landward side, keeping top level 7.4 m above
MSL with top width of 5.0 m filling with compacted earth fill. This forms as a last line of
defense against sea water intrusion into the paddy fields.

While the Water Resources Department, which is the nodal department for
execution of above tasks, will meet the cost of task (a) as above, the activities proposed
under tasks (b) and (c) are proposed to be funded under the present project. The details of
design, cost etc. is given in the DPR.

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F.2. Vulnerability to Disaster

The coast of Orissa being prone to cyclones and heavy rainfall during both the
southwest and North-East monsoons, face the problem of flooding of villages and
experience severe damage to the property during cyclonic weather conditions. Loss of life
also occurs during certain conditions like the Super Cyclone of 1999, during which 8913
people lost their lives. Significant population live in semi-permanent houses and thatched
huts and often these structures get damaged during the cyclones and floods, making the
coastal communities practically homeless.

Present activities

The Multi-purpose Cyclone Shelters have been found to be the most suitable facility
to accommodate the displaced population at the time of these natural calamities. The nodal
agency namely Orissa State Disaster Mitigation Authority (OSDMA) has already
constructed 97 shelters and 41 are under construction (Fig.29).

Fig 29: Map showing locations of existing Multi-purpose cyclone shelters

Proposed activities:

A study conducted revealed that the significant impact of cyclones and associated
floods are experienced upto 10 km from the coast. While still the precise estimates are
being made to work out the number of shelters required, as an immediate requirement to
the people living within 2 km from coast and vulnerable to cyclone, few more shelters are
felt to be essential to ensure safety to human.

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 These shelters are proposed at the villages of Pentha, Manuapalli, Petachhala and
Badatubi in Kendrapara district, Samalanasi and Madhurchuan in Ganjam Dist., and
Jamuna, Titipa, Alanda, Jharkota, Khirisahi, Belamunda, Khatiakudiand and Gumbai in Puri
Districts (Fig.30). It is estimated that it will provide shelter to atleast 22,000 people. The
shelters will be designed to withstand wind velocity of 300 km per hour and roof load of 500
kg per sqm and the entire construction specifications will be as per the prescribed
standards. The shelters will be connected with all weather roads and will have all basic
amenities like water, electricity, toilets, kitchen etc. The estimated cost of construction of 13
shelters in a period of 3 years is Rs.10 crorer.

Fig.30. Map showing proposed locations for Multi-purpose cyclone shelters

F.3. Conservation of Biodiversity

This component has two major sub components and the details are;

A. Protection of Olive Ridley Sea Turtles, cetaceans, estuarine crocodiles and other
aquatic wildlife

The site contains the most important and significant natural habitats for in-situ
conservation of biological diversity containing several threatened species of outstanding
universal value from the conservation point of view such as the Olive Ridley Sea turtles, the
cetaceans, the estuarine crocodiles and other aquatic wildlife. While estuarine crocodiles
are at the apex of the aquatic ecosystem in the tidal rivers and creeks, sea turtles and
cetaceans (marine mammals such as the dolphins, porpoises and whales) are at the apex
of the aquatic ecosystem in the coastal waters. Therefore, protection and conservation of

85
these flagship species shall ensure conservation of aquatic biodiversity of this region which
is a globally important biodiversity hot spot area containing globally important population of
sea turtles and crocodiles.

The Gahirmatha area contains one of the world’s largest nesting and breeding
ground of the endangered Olive Ridley sea turtles which is a globally significant population.
This seasonal phenomenon is considered as one of the greatest extravaganza of nature. It
also holds areas of exceptional natural beauty and aesthetic importance. Gahirmatha sea
beach along the coast being one of world’s largest rookeries attracts over half a million
female Olive Ridley sea turtles for mass nesting/egg lying. The coastal waters form the
mating and breeding ground of the endangered Olive Ridley sea turtles. Highest level of
protection status has been accorded by the State and Central Govt. to the area (1435 sq.
km. as a consequence of it being declared as a Marine Protected Area. However,
infrastructural facilities such as sea going speed boats are not there to protect the mating
and breeding ground as a result of which large number of turtles and some cetaceans are
reportedly being killed each year due to illegal sea fishing activities. Since sea turtles and
cetaceans are at the apex of ecological pyramid, their conservation shall ensure
conservation of aquatic bio-diversity of this coastal marine ecosystem.

Present activities:

In order to conserve the turtles and protect the sea area from illegal fishing and also
to augment resources, following activities/actions have been carried out;

1. Acquisition of two sea worthy vessels, speed boats and support patrol vessels for
protection of sea turtles in their congregated mating and breeding grounds.

2. Regularisation of fishing fleets in the coast by fixing maximum fleet size limits in
each fish landing centre and fishing harbour.

3. Revenue generation from registration and licence of fishing fleets.

4. Imposition of fishing ban in specified areas attributing to conservation

5. Availing central assistance for welfare of Fisher community such as development of

model fishermen villages, motorisation of country crafts, subsistence to fishermen
during lean period of fishing, etc.

6. Regulating coastal aquaculture to ensure sustained increase in aquaculture

products while protecting environment.

7. No aqua cultural activity is allowed within a distance of two kilometers from the High
Tide line of seas, rivers, creeks and backwaters.

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 8. Each brackish water aqua farm needs certificate of registration, granted by Coastal
Aquaculture Authority (C.A.A.), Chennai established under the Coastal Aquaculture
Authority Act, 2005.

9. So far, 564 brackish water farms covering an area of 348.39 ha. have been certified
by the C.A.A., Chennai.

a. Success & failures:

1. Safe guarding the territorial waters of the state reducing the conflict among
fishermen between the neighboring states,
2. Checking the proliferation of shrimp farms in the state,
3. Creating awareness of environmental protection among shrimp farmers and
promotion of sustainable shrimp farming in the state.

Proposed activities:

a. Protection measures for Olive Ridley Turtles

The two sea worthy vessels though acquired, need funds for manning, running and
maintenance of these vessels which have been proposed in this proposal. These vessels
shall be used for joint patrolling of the coastal waters by the Forest and Fisheries
department. Besides, speed boats and trawlers are also required for negotiating between
the base camps, berthing stations and the sea worthy vessels. Monitoring camps are
required to be set up each season in different beaches for monitoring of mortality as well as
nesting activities of sea turtles. One of the major monitoring centre shall be established at
Babubali with provision of solar lights, water supply and a jetty. For protection and patrolling
purpose equipments such as DGPS, GPS, Night viewing binoculars, Binoculars with
distance measurement facility, Eco-sounder, radar, VHF main sets, VHF handsets with
electric and solar chargers, life jackets, life buoys, etc. shall be procured for use in the sea
worthy vessels, speed boats and support patrol vessels for protection of sea turtles.

b. Research and monitoring center at Rushikulya mouth

The Rushikulya river mouth area along the Chilika coast is also a mass nesting area
of the endangered Olive Ridley sea turtles. The coastal waters which is the mating and
breeding ground of the species has been designated as a ‘No Fishing Zone’ under the
Fisheries Act. And the area has been proposed to be designated as a marine sanctuary. It
is proposed to have a research and monitoring center at this site for facilitating long term
research and monitoring.

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 c. Strengthening of Crocodile research and rearing center at Dangamal

Around mid-1970s population of salt water crocodiles had drastically dwindled

throughout its range including in Orissa. After launching of the integrated GOI/FAO/UNDP
project the population of this endangered species has considerably increased in the river
systems of Bhitarkanika through the grow-rear and release programme. The programme is
very successful in Bhitarkanika where the released crocodiles have started laying eggs in
the nature. These nests are being destroyed in the wild by predators such as the monitor
lizards, wild pigs, etc. Therefore, there is a need for strengthening the existing facilities at
Dangamal area for successful conservation of the endangered estuarine crocodiles through
the grow-rear and release programme which have been standardized in Bhitarkanika. The
financial requirement for the component is Rs.7 crorer.

d. Bhitarkanika Habitat Centre at Dangamal

There is also need of setting Bhitarkanika Habitat Centre at Dangamal where more
informations can be displayed on Olive Ridley turtles, Estuarine Crocodiles, Birds,
Mangroves, etc for education, research and awareness purpose.

B. Plantation of mangroves/ mangrove associates and other suitable species

Adjoining to the Gahirmatha marine sanctuary, an area extending over 672 sq. km
has been declared as a Sanctuary in 1975. Part of the area is a National Park declared in
1998 over an area of 145 sq. kms of pristine mangrove forests under Wildlife (Protection)
Act, 1972. Under the Annual Plan of Operation as well as Management Action Plan, all
forest blocks which are encroachment free have been planted with mangroves. However,
the areas along the many of the tidal rivers and creeks in the area which are non-forest
lands are presently devoid of mangroves. It is, therefore, proposed to take up plantation of
mangroves/ mangrove associates in the above areas which in the long run will act as a
natural cyclone shelter belt. The above will also help in stabilization of tidal river banks,
prevent soil erosion and act as a buffer zone. Besides, plantation shall also be taken up in
the village areas through community participation and seedlings of suitable species will be
distributed.

Besides Bhitarkanika region, there also exists a scope of revegetating the deltaic
regions of Rushikulya and Bahuda river mouth areas with mangroves and mangrove
associates, etc.

The total area available for plantation of mangroves/ mangrove associates and other
suitable species and re-generation will be around 133 hectare entirely outside the
designated forest areas in the bank of tidal influenced rivers and creeks. Besides,

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Plantation of mangroves/ mangrove associates and other suitable species in village forest
Areas/ Private lands (30 Ha) shall be done by way of raising of nurseries and distribution of
seedlings, etc. to the local villagers. The area that may be available for raising shelterbelt of
casuarina will be 77 ha of private land.

The mangrove plantation will be taken up in different modules. This is because in

some of the refractory hyper saline areas and areas devoid of periodic inundation by tidal
water, it is first necessary to prepare the ground and restore the salinity level by allowing
free flow of inter-tidal water into the area through digging of channels in fishbone type
design. This is an essential intervention to ensure that the mangrove plantation has good
chance of success at these sites. Further the plantation may be raised by putting
hypocotyls of mangrove species, or by planting nursery raised seedlings. The financial
requirement for the component is Rs.3 crorer.

C. Monitoring and Evaluation

A monitoring unit to oversee the implementation of the proposed activities and

periodical review of progress made, will be established under the project, as a part of the
Berhampur Division.

Research and infrastructure for biodiversity monitoring in Chilika:

Chilika has highest number of the endangered species of Irrawady Dolphins and
bird congregations in the country. In order to expand the present monitoring mechanisms of
dolphin and birds, a specialized component has been proposed in the present project.
Further, the environmental quality monitoring has to be strengthened for which addition of
few essential analytical and related equipment is necessary

F.4. Livelihood security

The state of Orissa is a typical example for existence of a conflict between

conservation issues and socio-economic needs. Due to least developmental activities, the
coastal communities largely depend on agriculture and fishing to meet their livelihood.
These opportunities exist mostly in inland water bodies like Chilika, Bhitarkanika and in the
sea in the form of fishing. As large section of these water bodies, fall under the category of
Marine Park, wild life sanctuary, by law and policy, they become zones of restriction for
exploitation of resources. With such limited opportunities of employment and livelihood
sources, the coastal communities often face challenges in meeting their day to day income.
Keeping such pressing needs in mind, the project has leaped on a major effort to meet their
demands to the possible extent. The details of proposed livelihood options are:

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A. Fishery based livelihood options:

The coastal communities of Orissa especially the fishing communities in the sector
Gopalpur to Chilika and Paradeep to Dhamra, depend on fishery resources of estuaries and
the sea. While Chilika provides a limited scope for fishing, the fishing opportunities in the
other areas like sea off Rushikulya and Gahirmata are limited as fishing known to cause
disturbance in the movement of turtles which breed in the sea and perform mass nesting in
the beaches of these areas. Accordingly the following areas of Orissa coast fall under wild
life sanctuary where fishing is banned:

1. Gahirmatha Marine Wild Life Sanctuary in Kendrapara District with total area of
1435 sq. km. comprising of a core and buffer zone. The core area of Gahirmatha
extends 10 kms. from the coast line in to the sea.
2. Jatadhari river mouth to Devi river mouth.
3. Chilika mouth (Magarmukha) to Rushikulya river mouth.

Large congregation of Olive Ridley Sea Turtles in the coastal waters of Orissa is
reported to start from mid October to end of April/ May. The recent ban on fishing in the
turtle congregation area is effective from 1st November to 31st May. The existing ban on
fishing and use of Turtle Excluder Device (TED) in trawl net is mandatory as per OMFRA to
prevent incidental mortality of sea turtles. Accordingly 1760 nos. of TEDs have been
distributed among the fishermen. Prohibition of fishing within a sea radius of 20 Kms. from
Gahirmatha area of Bhitarkanika Wild Life Sanctuary has adversely affected the mobility of
fishing vessels both mechanised and traditional. Thereby the livelihood for the poor marine
fishermen of the area is at stake since they have no alternative key activity for their
subsistence. These fishermen are mostly landless or having paltry quantum of land that is
not sufficient for their subsistence throughout the year. Moreover due to high rate of
illiteracy and non-acceptance to any change process these fishermen/women are forced to
leave their native to distant places in neighboring states as labourers. Likewise the
livelihood of fishermen from Dhamara fishing harbour and fish landing centres of Talchua,
Kharnasi, Khandiapatna, Jumboo and Tantiapal are also at stake. Besides prohibition of
fishing in two other reported mass nesting areas i.e., Jatadhar River to Devi river mouth and
Chilika mouth to Rushikulya mouth have also equally affected the local fishermen.

From a conservative estimation, it is envisaged that about 26,861 (Say, 0.27 lakhs)
active fishermen in the vicinity of the prohibited areas are mostly affected. Out of the said
population about 30% active full time fishermen (8070) are perpetually losing their daily
wages to the tune of about Rs. 21.78 Crores per annum during the active ban period (1st
November to June 15th including 60 days common ban in the entire East Coast from 15th
April to June 15th). Other part-time fishermen are also losing their income to the tune of Rs.

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25.42 Crores annually, considering average daily income of active full time fishermen and
part time fishermen as Rs. 150/- and Rs. 75/- respectively. Out of 240 days of fishing 180
days of fishing are affected by turtle conservation. Similarly in Chilika periphery there are
about 12,500 fisher families with a total population of around 15,000 whose per capita
income hovers around INR 1200 during yester years. Taking into account of the economic
output and the number of fisher family in Chilika lagoon, income per fisher family was
merely INR 52,000 during 2003-04. In successive years this trend of family income is in a
decline mode due to overexploitation, increase in the fleet size etc. This has resulted in
regular conflicts between fishermen and non-fishermen community, migration to
neighboring states.

There are no coastal community specific livelihood security programmes being

implemented by the concerned Departments/agencies. In order to provide proper livelihood
security to the fishing and associated communities, the following activities are proposed;

Gopalpur-Chilika

1. Crab fattening in abandoned shrimp farms

2. Dairy & Goattary (Integration)
3. Value addition of fishery products

The above alternate livelihood option are proposed to be implemented in the fringe
of the brackish water lagoon – the Chilika Lake. There are about 12000 fisher households
in this area. The fisher mostly depend on fishing the lake, thereby there is increased fishing
fleets every year which leads to use of undesirable fishing gears/ crafts to improve their
catch per unit effort resulting stock depletion, environmental hazards and regular conflicts.
Thereby socio-economic condition of the fisher of the area is declining day by day forcing
them either to migrate as daily labourers or indulging in destructing fishing. The above
alternate livelihood options will help the fisher folk to make up current shortcomings in their
earnings.

Paradeep-Dhamara (Gahirmatha sanctuary)

1. Crab fattening in abandoned shrimp farms

2. Dairy & Gottary (Integration)
3. Value addition of fishery products

The entire area have an average width of 11 Kms. from Barunei muhana to Mahandi
muhana fall under wild life sanctuary where total restriction on fishing has been imposed
through out the year. The peripheral fishermen population is deprived of fishing in that area
thereby livelihood have been seriously affected. There are about 90 fisher villages in the

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periphery of the sanctuary comprising of about 7400 fishermen households. The above
alternate livelihood options will help the fisher folk to meet their earning requirements.

Brief descriptions of above alternate livelihood options are;

a) Crab fattening:

The mud crab, Scylla cerrata is one of the most valuable brackish water crab
species having tremendous market demand and export potential. These crabs are caught
from natural waters frequently in soft shell condition which often fetches fewer prices in
market due to low meat content. They can be suitably reared in left out brackishwater
ponds for a period of 2-3 months to fatten the crabs with hard shell.

The proposed project aims at stocking of such water crabs by SHG groups in newly
excavated/ left out brackish water ponds available in the fringe of Chilika Lake and
Gahirmatha sanctuary area. The SHGs that would be formed under the project may be of
either gender for the purpose of this activity. Each SHG will be provided with a sum of Rs.
1.00 lakhs towards capital and input cost. The stake holders will be trained on management
practices at FTI, Balugaon and BWTC, Paradeep for the respective project sites.

b) Dairy & Goattary (Integration)

Each SHG will be provided with 10 cows and 50 indigenous breed of goats with in a
cost limit of Rs. 1.50 Lakhs. The SHGs will also be provided Rs. 2.00 Lakhs towards
establishment of sheds and equipments. From a conservative estimate each SHG will have
an annual income of Rs. 2.40 Lakhs from milk and meat. Capacity building of stakeholders
will be converged under the existing schedules of AH&VS Department.

c) Value addition of fishery products

Low priced fishes and by-catches can be value added fetching more price in the
domestic as well outside state markets. For the activity the SHGs will be formed mostly
involving fisherwomen who normally take the responsibility of marketing in a traditional
fishing sector. Each SHG will be provided with Rs. 5.00 Lakhs for installation of small scale
solar dryers and drying platforms. Apart from this each SHG will be supported with Rs. 1.00
Lakhs for procurement of raw materials for value addition which will roll on for subsequent
year trading.

In order to implement the above options, 600 self help groups, 300 each from the
selected sites will be formed. Out of them 150 SHGs i.e. 50 each for the 3 activity
components will be adopted. Culture methods etc will demonstrate through augmented
training centres. The Department of Fisheries which is the implementing agency of above
alternate livelihood options, is also proposing to improve infrastructure of its training centres
92
which would help in conducting regular training on a long-term basis on the above livelihood
options. Relevant agencies will be tied up with SHG for marketing the products. At the end
of the project period of 3 years, it is expected that atleast 20-30% of the affected fisher
community will benefit from the project. Since these alternate options will be continued on
a long-term basis, it is also expected in future almost most of the affected communities will
be benefited.

B. Eco-tourism as a livelihood option:

Promotion of eco-tourism will be carried out in ecologically sensitive Bhitarkanika

mangrove areas and in Chilika lake with house boats and establishment of food courts at
tourist spots, lake tourism near Gopalpur.

The proposed activities in this regard are;

The tourism project will be restricted to the Chilika- Gopalpur stretch of the Coastal
region of the State. Although tourism has started since long in Chilika, but it was restricted
to only few sites of this largest brackish water lagoon, such as Kalijai, Ramba, Nalabana etc.
However, recent opening of tourist site at Satapada and opening of new mouth at Sipakuda
has increased the tourist flow to a large extent. With the construction of recent motorable
road from Puri, the tourist potential has increased many folds. Simultaneously tourists are
showing interests to explore many of the Islands of Chilika, with tremendous scenic as well
recreational potential.

The present ‘‘Eco tourism’’ project is, therefore, designed to develop in and around
Chilika Lagoon, which has good communication and with sizable tourist flow. The proposed
project is planned to explore the optimum tourist potential of the region to augment people’s
participation and safeguard their livelihood security. This will ultimately address the
empowerment of people and to face the wrath of the nature (natural calamity) in this coastal
region. The other location where promotion of tourism has been proposed is Tampara lake,
near Gopalpur. The lake is 5.8 km long and 670 meters wide and it runs upto Rushikulya
river. The facilities/attractions proposed are:

a) Chilika:

For the participatory ‘Eco-Tourism’, following infrastructural development and

supporting activities are proposed at different sites:

1) New Mouth (Chilika): Facilities like food court, Public conveniences, sit out and boats
will be provided here. Locally available food materials will be used and local people will be
engaged for operation of this infrastructure.

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2) Sipakuda: Facilities like Food court, public conveniences, parking, boating will be
provided in addition to first aid facility and local people will be encouraged to operate and
maintain.

3) Satapda: Facilities like Public conveniences, boating, organization of cultural functions,

fast Aid facility, Handicraft/Handloom outlets and drinking water facilities will be provided
and local people will be encouraged to operate and maintain.

4) Barkul: Facilities like upgradation of water sports complex development and rescue
facility, Amusement park, Handicraft/ Handloom outlets, food courts and Illumination of
water sports complex will be taken up. Also tourist guide center will be operated. Also local
youth will be trained to form a rescue group for the tourists.

5) Rambha: Facilities like development of water sports complex and Public conveniences
will be taken up. Also local youth will be trained to form a rescue group for the tourists.

6) Islands: Facilities like Public conveniences, jetties and theme parks will be taken up and
such infrastructure will be operated and maintained by local inhabitants.

b) Tampara :

1) On the NH side of the lake: Facilities like Parking, Public conveniences, eco-park,
Illumination and jetties including provision of boats will be taken up. The infrastructure
created will be outsourced to the local inhabitants for operation and maintenance.

2) Inside lake: Facilities like Floating restaurant, Floating cottages will be created and will
be outsourced to the local inhabitants for operation and maintenance.

3) In between lake and sea beach: Facilities like Tented accommodation will be taken up
and will be outsourced to the local inhabitants for operation and maintenance.

As explained above the issue of conservation of biodiversity and associated

implementation of law to prohibit activities such as fishing in the Bhitarkanika and
Gahirmata sea has led to depriving of livelihood opportunities to the dependent population.
To overcome this problem, it has been proposed to develop eco-tourism in these areas
especially in the Bhitarkanika zone.

94
 Eco-tourism seeks out authentic experience of Nature and wildlife through sustained
camping, trekking, observation and exploration. Eco-tourists are not casual visitors,
picnickers or plain amusement seekers. They are primarily serious Nature lovers who go to
an area for exploration and appreciation of the flora, fauna and other values of Nature as
well as for a learning experience.

In development of eco-tourism, the emphasis is on provision of quality service.

While, from the point of view of the eco-tourist, luxuries and comforts are not important, the
desirable services would comprise of the following:

(a) Clean and hygienic accommodation.

(b) Standard arrangement of food and water.
(c) Services of Naturalists and Eco-guides; Interpretation centre including appropriate
signages.
(d) Efficient management of booking, reception, watch towers, camp maintenance,
boating, trekking expeditions, etc.

Eco-tourism will create income opportunities for members of the local communities
who may become Cooks, Attendants, Water carriers, Guides, Caretakers, Receptionists,
Animal trackers, Boatmen, etc. Local delicacies and handicrafts may be peddled to the
campers. This will create the much needed stake holding of the local communities in
conservation of forests, wildlife and the natural values. If eco-tourism thrives, conservation
as an objective stands to gain a lot.

The law governing Protected Areas (PAs) prohibits construction of commercial

tourist lodges, hotels, etc. inside a sanctuary/ National Park. The National Wildlife Action
Plan treats eco-tourism as a permissible activity in sanctuaries, provided it is regulated to
remain within the physical and ecological carrying capacity of the area, and is confined to
designated tourism zones, and not spread out into the core zones, sensitive wildlife habitats
and corridors, natal areas of species like the tiger, and provided that it serves the overall
objective of wildlife conservation.

This scheme seeks to create facilities for camping and trekking in Bhitarkanika
sanctuary, Gahirmatha Marine sanctuary, Chilika (Nalabana) sanctuary and on the
extensive sand-bar adjoining the Bay of Bengal. These places hold immense attraction for
serious nature lovers.

In due course, it is proposed to ground a separate eco-tourism society for each

Protected Area in the State which would be a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) and a
dedicated outfit to manage the eco-tourism enterprise. The society would be headed by a
senior Forest Officer who has jurisdiction over the Protected Area, and would have a few
officials, conservationists, eco-tourists, local service providers, and eminent public persons
95
of the locality as members. The Society would be authorized to take the receipts accruing
from entry fees and other charges and to plough it back towards running the services and
maintenance of the facilities. The Society might engage Naturalists, Guides, Caterers and
other management partners depending on the volume of business it is able to generate.

The coast holds a lot of places of historical importance. In Mahanadi delta, the
historical building ‘Hukitola’ of British era with unique architecture, constructed during
1860’s as a Port of the British people has deteriorated over the years and needs immediate
restoration. Provision of drinking water facilities, jetty, VHF sets, and tourist boats, etc. to
enhance the ecotourism activities are immediate requirements.

Besides, eco-tourism at four other sites in Bhitarkanika as well as in Chilika can be

taken up in many forms, ranging from watching the animals, birds and trees in the forest
and marine life on the sea by boat. Tourist complexes have been proposed at strategic
points with provision of luxury house boats in big tidal rivers such as Bramhani and
Dhamara rivers.

C. Coir making as a mean of livelihood option:

Besides the above fishery and tourism based livelihood options, the project has
explored other means that are feasible. One of such means is coir making. The Chilika
lagoon is also known for land resources such as coconut trees. Extensive coconut
cultivation prevails around the lake. The husk after removing the coconut is mostly utilized
for firewood purposes. Since products of higher value such as coir can be made, it has
been proposed to introduce coir making as a mean of livelihood to the local population. For
this purpose a training centre with appropriate machinery will be established at a suitable
location in Chilika. It will employ 15 artisans for providing training to the local population. 6
months training will be conducted in the training in batches on a long-term basis with 20
people in each batch. The estimated cost of the sub-component is Rs.18,80,000.

F.5. Environmental Management

Strengthening of laboratory facilities:

This component will finance for technical assistance and capacity building viz.
Laboratory Infrastructure, Manpower Strengthening, Environmental monitoring, knowledge
and information, updating of skill, and software. Current capacity of the State Pollution
Control Board, Orissa is overloaded with the compliance monitoring and enforcement
activities of various rules and regulations entrusted upon the Board. To achieve the
objectives the Board has to be strengthened in terms of up-to-date information, knowledge,
man power, equipments and instruments. To start the ICZMP project work at the existing

96
Central laboratory of the Board is not possible due to lack of space, manpower constraint,
as well as overload of instrumental work. So, it is proposed to establish a Coastal
Management Laboratory with the staff structure mostly project in nature and necessary
analytical instrument/ equipments at Paradeep. Details of these requirements are provided
in the DPR.

Software for preparation of coastal environmental database will be procured to

understand the behavior of pollutants in estuarine and coastal l waters and use this
knowledge to predict eco-toxicological risks posed by their presence in these eco-systems.
The cost of the component is Rs. 848.1 lakhs.

Environmental Monitoring:

In initial phase of project, environmental monitoring will be mainly conducted at and

around Paradeep with an occasional monitoring along Paradeep-Dhamra stretch. In
subsequent years, the monitoring along Paradeep-Dhamra stretch will be conducted in a
regular pattern. The monitoring plan is presented in the Table 10.

Table 10: Proposed monitoring programme around Paradeep

Component Type Source No. of stations Frequency
Water Surface water River (Mahanadi, Dhamra and 10 M
other rivers)
Creek (Atharabanki) 10 M
Lentic water bodies 10 Q
Taladanda Canal 05 M
Ground water Bore well / dug well 15 Q
Waste water Industrial / Domestic 25 M
Air Ambient Continuous monitoring station 01 C
at Paradeep
#
Monitoring station as per 08 104
CPCB guideline
Source Industrial Stack monitoring 30 Q
Noise T
Vehicular monitoring T
Soil In and around of specific zones 30 Q
Sediment River 10 Q
Creek 10 Q
Coastal area 20 Q
M - Monthly, Q - Quarterly; T - Twice a year; C - Continuous;
#
: sampling/station/year

A wide range of chemical and biological parameters in water and sediments and relevant
air quality parameters in the ambient are proposed to be monitored. The details of these
parameters are given in DPR.

97
Pollution Abatement Strategies:

This component will finance;

i. Feasibility study of various pollution abatement strategies,

ii. Construction of municipal solid waste landfill,

iii. Social and environmental impact assessments.

Pollution abatement strategies to be integrated with the ICZMP for environmental

management of Paradeep- Dhamra stretch are as follows.

The disposal of treated wastewater from existing and proposed industries at the
respective outlets may have adverse impact on large area. The best discharge option is
through common effluent drain to the marine outfall points without disturbing the coastal
water quality. Development of a common hazardous waste dumpsite is also necessary for
treatment, storage and disposal of hazardous wastes generated from the industries
operating in the stretch.

Since the area is under the rapid state of industrialization which will be followed by
urbanization, Sewage Treatment Plant with proper sewage network is required to discharge
the treated wastewater of the Urban Settlements into coastal water body.

Keeping in view the tourist potential of the identified coastal stretch, population
growth and simultaneously increasing health services development of municipal solid waste
dumpsite, Installation of Common Biomedical Waste Treatment Facilities are required.

Construction of Municipal Solid waste Landfill:

Landfills are used to describe a unit operation for final disposal of ‘Municipal Solid
Waste’ on land, designed and constructed with the objective of minimum impact to the
environment by incorporating following eight essential components. The component will be
executed by the Urban Development Department

1. Landfill Liner System

2. Landfill Final Cover System
3. Leachate Management System
4. Landfill Gas Management System
5. Surface Water Management System
6. Groundwater Management System
7. Disposal Material Monitoring
8. Separation Distances

98
Land filling will be done for the following types of waste;

i) Mixed waste not found suitable for waste processing;

ii) Pre-processing and post-processing rejects from waste processing sites;
iii) Non-hazardous waste not being processed or recycled.

The site selection for landfill will involve the four steps viz,

i) Setting up of locational criteria;

ii) Data collection
iii) Environmental impact assessment and
iv) Final site selection.

The cost of this component is Rs.635 Lakhs

Monitoring and Evaluation of the Project

This component will finance;

• To monitor and evaluate the project activities and intermediate results as

implementation proceeds,
• Measure the impact of selected interventions under the project, and
• Install the database, information base for understanding the development of project
activities.

The tasks envisaged will be achieved through interaction with project team and
experts. A database on sources of pollution, levels of their occurrence, model predicted
concentrations in the future will also be developed under this project. The outputs from the
database will be used to evaluate the performance of the activities and improvements will
be made where necessary. The cost of the component is Rs.16.9 lakhs. The details are
given in the DPR.

F.6. Conservation and improvement of Archeological and cultural assets

The coastal area of the State is also dotted with a large numbers of standing
monuments in poor state of preservation. Some of these monuments having archaeological,
architectural, sculptural and historical importance have been identified for conservation and
upgradation. However, due to paucity of funds, the conservation of all these monuments
has not been taken up so far. All the monuments bear the testimony of our glorious
maritime and religious history. These need to be protected and preserved for our future
generation and posterity.

99
 ∗ The aim of the project is to preserve the built heritage of coastal area for posterity in
a condition which would delay the process of decay in this built heritage and ensure
their structural stability for years to come. To promote Heritage Tourism in the
coastal area of the State is an added factor.

∗ To develop the monuments so that their importance is enhanced and the places
become centre of tourist attraction.

∗ To keep alive the traditional temple buildings art and provide work for the dwindling
class of traditional temple masons or sathpatis of Orissa.

∗ The conservation works of monuments will add to the livelihood security by

development of many self employment opportunities for the coastal people and this
will also reduce pressure on the fragile environment of coastal region.

∗ During natural calamities it can be used as shelter to save life and property of the
people.

Jagannatha Temple, Pentha

Harachandi Tem., Baliharchandi

Harihara Deva Temple, Nairi

British Cemetry, Ganjam Ganjam Fort, Ganjam

Fig 31: Cultural and Archeological sites identified for conservation

In the project area Gopalpur to Chilika Large number of monuments are situated in
the coastal stretch of Chilka to Gopalpur and basing on archaeological, architectural,
sculptural and historical importance, the following important monuments Potagada
(Ganjam Fort), Bhabakundalesvara Temple, Manikpatna, Harachandi Temple,
Baliharachandi, Batesvara Temple, Kantiagada, Hariharadeva Temple, and Nairi have

100
 been identified for conservation and environmental upgradation (Fig.31). In the Paradeep –
Dhamara sector, Jagannatha Temple, Pentha has been identified for renovation. Since the
monuments are situated in the important tourist circuit the monuments can be converted
into heritage tourism sites. Preservation of an ancient monument includes its protection,
structural conservation, chemical conservation, environmental upgradation (Landscaping)
and maintenance from time to time with provision of watch and ward for the monuments.
The cost of the project over a period of 1-4 years is Rs.5.00 cr.

G. Project Costs

G.1. Estimates – by component, by year

The estimated cost of various components and their break up are given below;

Activity Implementing agency Cost (Rs. in Cr)

Coastal protection at Pentha Department of Water Resources 19.01
Orissa State Disaster Management
Multi-purpose Cyclone Shelters 14.79
Authority
Biodiversity Conservation at
Bhitarkanika, Gahirmatha and Wildlife Wing of Forest & Environment 18.70
Rushikulya Deptt.
Eco-tourism 24.13
Species Conservation in Chilika lagoon Chilika Development Authority 14.00
Alternate livelihood option for fisherfolk
Department of Fisheries 25.61
(incl. capacity building)
Alternate livelihood options (Coir
Department of Industries (OCCC Ltd.) 3.81
making)
Eco-Tourism in Chilika and Tampara Department of Tourism 17.39
Environmental Management OSPCB 14.26
Paradeep Municipality (H & UD
Solid Waste Management 14.89
Department)
Improvement of cultural assets Department of Culture 7.62
All concerned Agencies & Coastal
Capacity building
Community 7.22
Preparation of ICZM Plan Consultants
Berhampur
Regional Coastal Processes studies 11.01
Univ/ICMAM/Consultant/CDA
Project Management Unit PMU 14.72
Total 207.16

Add contingency @ 7.5% 15.54

Add legal charges 0.1
NPMU expenses 4.84
Grand Total 227.64

∗ Including departmental cost

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Component and year wise break up are given below:
1. Coastal erosion at Pentha
S.No. Phasing of Expenditure (Rs. in lakhs)
Component 1 Year 2 Year 3 Year 4 Year 5 Year Total
A Procurement 2.10 0 0 0 0 2.10
B Operational 15.6 9.6 0 0 0 25.2
Cost
C Civil works 1011.24 800.00 20.31 1831.55
D Afforestation of
suitable species
including 3.84 3.84
maintainance,
watch & ward
E Monitoring & 12.67 12.67 2.66 28.00
Evaluation
Total 1890.69

2. Regional Coastal Processes studies

S.No Description of item I year II year III year Total (Rs.

in lakhs)
1. Secondary data, analysis of
primary data and modeling by 58.50 73.50 48.50 180.50
CDA for Gopalpur-Chilika
2. Secondary data, analysis of
primary data and modeling by 58.50 73.50 48.50 180.50
BU for Paradeep – Dhamara
3. Primary data collection in
Gopalpur-Chilika by 100.00 200.00 300.00
Consultant
4. Primary data collection in
Paradeep – Dhamara by 200.00 240.00 440.00
Consultant
Total 417.00 587.00 97.00 1101.00

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 3. Construction of Multi-Purpose Cyclone Shelters

Cost Breakup
(A) Institutional Cost
Investment Cost Rs.6,00,000.00
Operational Cost Rs.10,14,000.00
Capacity Building Rs.1,03,02,050.00
Monitoring & Evaluation (Third party) Rs.19,67,000.00
Environmental & social screening and clearance cost Rs.18,06,000.00
Communication Rs.8,00,000.00
(E) Physical (Building Area 28000 sqft)
Civil works (Building proper)
(a) Civil cost Rs.72164,822.59
(b) Electrification Rs.2989206.50
(c) Sanitation & water supply Rs.4191748.58
(d) Tube wells for drinking water (14 nos.) Rs.6296220.00
(e) Detailed soil investigation & testing of pile Rs.2569259.93
Road Joining MCS Rs.24888800.00
Estimated Cost - Subtotal (E1-E2) Rs.113100057.60
Say Rs.113100000.00
Quality monitoring, quality assurance & quality audit Rs.2262000.00
Supervision Charges as per details at Page-38 Rs.5655000.00
Generators (for all 14 buildings) Rs.1400000.00
Sub Total (A-E) Rs.13,89,06,107.60

4. Conservation of Biodiversity

Estimates by components of biodiversity conservation (Conservation of flora and fauna)

MAJOR ISSUE: BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION:

Sub Issue: Conservation of Flora and Fauna

Component a: plantation details of mangroves and mangrove associates:
Bramhani- Baitarani Delta (Implementing Agency: Mangrove Rs. in lakhs
Forest Division (Wildlife), Rajnagar)
(A) 1. Restoration of Mangroves:
Plantation in the bank of rivers and creeks (133 Ha along approximately
100 km of the banks of tidal rivers and creeks) with mangroves/
mangrove associates and other suitable species, including cost of
nursery, etc. (including fencing) 279.00

103
 2. Plantation of mangroves/ mangrove associates and other suitable
species in village forest Areas/ Private lands (30 Ha) / distribution of
seedlings, etc. it will cover 32 EDCs in Bhitarkanika as per annexure
and map. 018.00
A.2: Rushikulya And Bahuda River Mouth (Implementing Agency:
Berhampur (T) Forest Division)
1. Plantation in degraded areas (5 Ha) along the Rushikulya and
Bahuda river mouth areas. 003.00
TOTAL OF A 300.00

Component b: protection of endangered olive ridley sea turtles

and other aquatic / coastal wildlife biodiversity:
Site 1 Gahirmatha (Implementing Agency: Mangrove Forest Division
(Wildlife), Rajnagar)
(i) Marine Protection squad: Provision of Speed boats (4 Nos) @
Rs.40.00 Lakhs; these boats will be stationed 2 each at Babubali Island
and Agarnasi at both ends of the marine sanctuary. After the breeding
season of sea turtles, these boats will also be utilized for monitoring the
mangroves as well as crocodiles and other biodiversity of the tidal rivers.
160.00
(ii) Provision of daily wage labourers to assist forest staff, cost of fuel for
speed boats and hiring charges of two trawlers and two supports boats.
(a) Provision of daily wage labourers to assist forest staff:
There will be 35 camps along the coast spread over three forest
Divisions viz., Rajangar(18), Chilika(8) and Berhampur(9) Forest
Divisions. These camps will function from October to June. In each camp
there will be two persons on monthly contractual basis @Rs.3,000/- per
month.

Hiring charges of labourers @Rs.3,000/- per month per person

Rs.3,000/- X 70 persons x 10 months= Rs.21.00 lakhs per season
Rs.21.00 lakhs x 5 years = Rs.105.00 lakhs 105.00
(b) Cost of fuel for Speed boats (4 nos.)

@15 Ltr. Per hour X 10 hrs. per patrolling day per boat X four boats=600
ltrs.
600 ltrs. @Rs.40.00 = Rs.24,000/- per patrolling day
@on the basis of alternate day sea patrolling there will be 15 patrolling
day per month, thus Rs.24,000/- X 15 patrolling day per month X 12
months =Rs.43,20,000/- or Rs.43.20 lakhs per year
Rs.43.20 lakhs per year x 5 years = Rs.216.00 lakhs

After the breeding season of sea turtles, these boats will also be utilized
for monitoring the mangroves as well as crocodiles and other
biodiversity of the tidal rivers. 216.00
(c) Hiring charges of two trawlers @Rs.2.00 lakhs per Trawler per month
Rs.2.00 lakhs x 2 = Rs.4.00 lakhs per month x 6 months per year =
Rs.24.00 lakhs per season
Rs.24.00 lakhs per season x 5 years = 120.00 lakhs

Hiring charges of two support boats @Rs.0.50 lakhs per support boat per
month
Rs.0.50 lakhs x 2 = Rs.1.00 lakhs per month x 6 months per year=
Rs.6.00 lakhs per season
Rs.6.00 lakhs per season X 5 years = 30.00 lakhs 150.00
(iii) Construction of camp sheds and drinking water facilities

104
(a) Construction of permanent camp sheds (2 nos.) at strategic
locations such as Chinchiri and Dobandhi and drinking water facilities
@Rs.12.80 lakhs each x 2 = Rs.25.60 lakhs 025.60

(b) Digging of Deep Tube Wells at temporary camp sheds (33 nos.)
To provide drinking water facilities at 33 temporary camp sites in three
coastal forest divisions @Rs.1.00 lakhs per site x 33 camps = Rs.33.00
lakhs 033.00
(iv) (a) Construction of Monitoring centre (1) at Babubali with provision
of solar lights and water supply (Rs.30.50 lakhs).

(b) Procurement and installation of A.C. with compatible Generator and

recurring expenses for running the Generator (L.S Rs.20.00 lakhs)

(c) Provision of floating jetty (Rs.09.50 lakhs) 060.00

(v) Procurement of Cost of equipments such as DGPS (1), GPS (6),
Night viewing binoculars (6), Binoculars with distance measurement
facility (6), Eco-sounder (1), radar (1), VHF Main sets (6), VHF
handsets (12) with electric and solar chargers, life jackets (20), life
buoys (20), etc. 062.10
(vi) (a) Construction of Interpretation centre (1 Nos.) at Gupti
(Rs.102.80 lakhs)

(b) Provision of A.C. (L.S. Rs.20.20 lakhs) 123.00

(vii) Strengthening of hatchery and rearing complex of crocodiles at
Dangmal. 040.00
(viii) River Protection Squad: Strengthening of Patrolling in tidal rivers
by patrolling Units (10 country boats for Bhitarkanika) @Rs.1.00 lakhs
per boat 010.00
(ix) Running, manning and maintenance of sea worthy vessel of
Fisheries department. (@ Rs.20.00 lakhs per annum for five years) 100.00
TOTAL OF B 1084.70

Component C: Operation and database preparation unit at Wildlife

Head quarters.
C-1: Operation and Database preparation Unit at Wildlife Hqrs.
(a) GIS Specialist-cum-Research Associate (1), Accountant (1),
Technical Assistant (1), Data Entry Operator (1), Driver (1) 52.20

(b) Overhead charges

(i) Telephone & BSNL broadband facility @ Rs.00.08/ Pm x 12 months

= Rs.00.96 lakhs/ per year x 5 years = Rs.04.80 lakhs.

(ii) Electricity charges @ Rs.00.15 / Pm x 12 months=Rs.0.18 lakhs/ per

year x 5 years = Rs.0.90 lakhs.

(iii) Office consumables @Rs.00.15/ Pm x 12 months=Rs.0.18 lakhs/

per year x 5 years = Rs.0.90 lakhs.

(iv) Computer consumables @Rs.00.15/ Pm x 12 months = Rs.0.18

lakhs/ per year x 5 years = Rs.0.90 lakhs.

(v) Books and periodicals L.S. 01.00 lakhs per year x 5 years =
Rs.05.00 lakhs

105
(vi) Taxi hiring charges L.S. Rs.03.00 lakhs per year x 5 years =
Rs.15.00 lakhs

(vii) Travel and conveyance (T.A. & D.A for staff) L.S. @Rs.02.00 lakhs
per year x 5 years = Rs.10.00 lakhs

(viii) Postage and Printing L.S. Rs.01.00 lakhs per year x 5 years
=Rs.05.00 lakhs
Sub Total of Over head charges = Rs.42.50 lakhs 42.50

(c) Capacity building:

(i) Organization of awareness camps, training on mangrove restoration,

sea turtle protection and conservation of other biodiversity at various
sites @Rs.0.25 lakhs per camp x 12 camps per year = 03.00 lakhs per
year x 5 years = Rs.15.00 lakhs.
(ii) Field visits to different mangrove areas, sea turtle nesting areas,
crocodile and wetland bird habitats @Rs.0.50 lakhs per visits x 2 visits
per year=Rs.01.00 lakhs per year x 5 years =Rs.05.00 lakhs

(iii) Printing of brochures, pamplets, leaflets, booklets, stickers, etc. L.S.

Rs.03.00 lakhs per year x 5 years = Rs.15.00 lakhs

Sub Total of Capacity building =Rs.35.00 lakhs 35.00

C-2: Field Operation including Database preparation unit
(a) Scientist - cum – curator (1), Project Research Fellow (5), Boat
Driver – 4 (for speed boats), Navigator for Boat - 4 (for speed boats
operating in sea), Boat Helper – 4 (for speed boat), Boatman for
Country Boats (each country boat will be manned by 3 Boat man = 30
boat man for five years) = Rs.229.80 lakhs

(b) Five motor cycles (4 stroke engine) for Project Research Fellows
L.S. Rs.0.50 lakhs x 5 = Rs.02.50 lakhs

(c) POL and maintenance for the five motor cycles @Rs.0.50 lakhs per
month x 12 month = Rs.06.00 lakhs per year x 5 years = Rs.30.00 lakhs
Sub Total of C-2: Rs.262.30 262.30
C-3: Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)/ Social Impact
Assessment (SIA)
Quarterly monitoring of EIA & SIA Schedule including mitigation
activities under Environmental Management Plan (EMP) (4 sites) and
activities centers (85 sites) @ Rs.02.50 lakh per quarter. 050.00
C-4: Monitoring & Evaluation Unit
Monitoring and Evaluation Schedule

Quarterly monitoring and evaluation of structural development sites (4

sites) and activities centers (85 sites) @Rs.1.25 lakh per quarter. 25.00
TOTAL OF C 467.00
GRAND TOTAL 1851.70

106
5. Species Research and strengthening Wetland research centre in Chilika
Sl. Activity Description Rs. In Lakhs Rs. In Lakhs
No
1 Instruments for WRTC 174.65
2 Deployment of Sensor (4)
(at 4 ecological segments of the lake for 320.00
telemetric transmission of real time data)
3 Installation of Sensor in the lake at 4 sites 80.00
4 Setting of Modeling Cell
Modeling software 40.00
90.00
Furniture 50.00
5 Office Equipments
6 Scanner, printer, workstation
Energy backup system 50.00
Digitizer, & LAN
137.50
A. C. (5) 2.5
LCD Panel (2) 80.00
V-sat Communication 5.00
7 Manpower
Research Scholars (2) (@ Rs.
16.80
1,4000/pmX2X124X5)
88.80
Research Associate (4)
72.00
(@ Rs. 30,000/pmX4X12X5)
8 AMC (Lab. Instruments &
Lagoon Equipments @ lumpsum 65.40
Rs. 16.35lakhs /yearX 4 years)
9 Capacity Building
10 Fish Diversity Study (By CIFRI) 60.00
Survey of Avian Fauna (By BNHS) 100.00
Study of Lake Ecosystem (By NIO, Goa) 60.00 370.00
Study of Ecology of Macrophytes of lagoon 100.00
Awareness & Exposure Visit 50.00
11 Species Research
Updating Knowledge 4.00
Training & Awareness (Public/ local
8.00
community) 28.00
Underwater behaviour study by hydropnone 8.00
Development & production of IEC material 8.00
Birds (migratory) Research
12 Updating knowledge 20.00
Improvement of Habitat 4.00
Anti-poaching Activity 4.00
Training & Awareness (public/ local 34.00
2.00
community)
Village community/ NGO 2.00
Development & Production of IEC material 2.00
Total 1388.35
Departmental Cost (Not to be Financed)
Operational Cost 9.60
12.00
Support Cost 2.40

Grand Total 1400.35

107
6. Livelihood Security (Fisheries based Livelihood options)
(Rs. in Lakhs)

Component Proposed Year

earmarke 1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th Total
d site
i. Crab fattening/ Gopalpur-
57.6 86.40 86.40 57.60 288.00
Sea bass or Chilika
Composite fish Paradeep-
culture(IMC)/ Dhamara 57.6 86.40 86.40 57.60 288.00
scampi culture
Sub-Total: 115.20 172.80 172.80 115.20 576.00
ii. Dairy & Gotary Gopalpur-
72.00 108.00 108.00 72.00 360.00
(Integration) Chilika
Paradeep-
72.00 108.00 108.00 72.00 360.00
Dhamara
Sub-Total:
144.00 216.00 216.00 144.00 720.00

iii. value addition of Gopalpur-

102.00 153.00 153.00 102.00 510.00
fishery products/ Chilika
Hygienic fish drying Paradeep-
102.00 153.00 153.00 102.00 510.00
yard Dhamara
Sub-Total: 204.00 306.00 306.00 204.00 1020.00
Repair & revival of laboratory
facilities of Fishery Training
20.00 20.00
Institute (FTI) and B&T at
Balugaon
Involvement of NGO
4.00 6.00 6.00 4.00 20.00

EIA and EMP

3.00 4.50 4.50 3.00 15.00

Project implementation cost

25.85 4.90 2.95 2.95 2.35 39.00

Grand Total 516.05 710.20 708.25 473.15 2.35 2410.00

108
7. Coir Making

PROJECT COST
COST OF THE PROJECT RS.in Lakhs
1ST 2ND 3RD
PARTICULARS YEAR YEAR YEAR TOTAL
Land(1 Acres) Own
Land Development
Land
Leveling 0.50 0.50

Landscaping 0.50 0.50

Internal Roads &
Pavements 5.00 5.00
112.70
Civil Works 112.70
5.00
Electrical Installation 5.00
Plant & Machineries 43.54 43.54
Misc. Fixed Assets including a Multi-
18.45
Utility Vehicle 18.45
Environmental
2.00 1.50 1.50 5.00
Monitoring
Environmental Management Plan(including mitigation
measures) 3.00 2.00 2.00 7.00
Project Monitoring &
Evaluation(Including 3.00 3.00 4.00 10.00
Post Project Monitoring)
Preliminary & Pre-Operative Exp. 38.00 38.00
-
Working Capital for Training Center per Year
Salary to Staffs 16.92
Raw Materials & Consumables for
Training 1.00
Other Fixed Operating Expenses for
Training 0.50
18.42 20.26 22.29 60.97

Man Power for Production Center for 1

37.98 37.98
Year

Working Capital for Production Center(One Cycle) 17.06 17.06

Grant from World

305.15 26.76 29.79 361.70
Bank

109
8. Tourism based Livelihood options (OTDC)

Year Site Activity Fund Total Fund

Required required
(in ( in Lakhs)
Lakhs)
Physical-Food court, public
conveniences, sit out, boat, Illumination,
drinking water facilities, water sports
Chilika complex, construction of jetty, open air
st ( at Barkul & theatre, Handicraft/ Handloom outlets, 326.28
1
Rambha) training for rescue group, tourists guides
Year
;along with institutional cost, capacity
building, monitoring & evaluation,
communication.
Tampera Nil 0.00 326.28
Chilika
Physical-Public conveniences, Parking,
(at Satapada,
boats, sit-outs, jetty; along with
nd New Mouth 432.18
2 institutional cost, capacity building,
and Sipakuda
Year monitoring & evaluation, communication.
)

Tampera Nil 0.00 432.18

Chilika Physical-Sit-outs, jetty, food courts;
(at Ghantasila along with institutional cost, capacity
191.18
& building, monitoring & evaluation,
3
rd Chheliakuda) communication.
Year Tampera Physical-Eco park, floating cottages, 260.00
floating restaurant; along with
institutional cost, capacity building,
monitoring & evaluation, communication. 451.18
Chilika Nil 0.00

4th Tampera Physical-Eco park, floating cottages, 296.19

Year floating restaurant; along with
institutional cost, capacity building,
monitoring & evaluation, communication. 296.19

Chilika Nil 0.00

Physical-Eco park, tented

5th accommodation; along with institutional
Tampera 206.19
Year cost, capacity building, monitoring &
evaluation, communication. 206.19
Grand Total 1712.02

110
9. Biodiversity based Eco-tourism

Details as follows:
MAJOR ISSUE: LIVELIHOOD SECURITY: SUB ISSUE: ECO-TOURISM
(IN RESTRICTED AREAS)
SITE 1 GAHIRMATHA MARINE SANCTUARY (IMPLEMENTING AGENCY:
MANGROVE FOREST DIVISION (WILDLIFE), RAJNAGAR

Site1. Gahirmatha Marine Sanctuary:

Sl. Items of work Amount

No. (Rs. in lakhs)
(i) Renovation of Hukitola building 50.00
(ii) Provision of solar equipments, Binoculars, Night Vision 10.00
Binoculars, Life jackets, Life Buoys, etc.
(iii) Watch and ward (per annum) 20.00
(iv) Drinking water facilities (Digging of deep tube wells) and 02.00
water supply arrangements, etc.
(v) Construction of a Jetty (Cement Concrete) 20.00
(vi) Provision of tourist boat (2 nos.) @Rs.25.00 lakhs each 50.00
at Agarnasi and Babubali.
(vii) Construction of 2 nos. Jetty (Floating Jetty) 10.00
(Viii) Construction of raised platforms and pitching tents on 10.00
them (5 nos), construction of a kitchen and provision of
utensils, open shed for dining and sitting out at Agarnasi
island.
Sub – Total 172.00

Site 2. Bhitarkanika Wildlife Sanctuary:

Sl. Items of work Amount

No. (Rs. in lakhs)
(i) Tourist complex at Khola, Nalitapatia, Talchua and Gupti 600.00
@1.5 crores at each site with provision of drinking water,
solar lights, etc.
(ii) Provision of mechanised luxury House Boats (4 Nos.) @ 200.00
Rs.50.00 lakhs each
(iii) Dredging of Baunsagarh creek (from Krushnapriyapur to 25.00
Chinchiri)
(iv) Construction of raised platforms and pitching tents on 10.00
them (5 nos.), construction of a kitchen and provision of
utensils, open shed for dining and sitting out at Chinchiri.
(v) Drinking water facilities (Digging of deep tube wells) 05.00
and water supply arrangements, etc. all five sites
Sub – Total 840.00

111
Site 3. Chilika Coast (part of which is Nalaban sanctuary):

Sl. Items of work Amount

No. (Rs. in
lakhs)
3A. To be implemented by the Chilika Wildlife Division
(i) Construction of 52” boats 7 nos. with engine 70.00
(Satapada-2 nos., Berhampura-2 nos. Balugaon-2 nos. and
Rambha-1 no.) @Rs.10.00 lakhs
(ii) Digging of channels (4 nos.) for easy approach for landing 10.00
of boats for ecotourism purpose
(iii) Construction of eco-camps, boundary wall and gates at 30.00
Rajhans
(iv) Forest Department camp infrastructures at 5 other sites 50.00
along the Chilika coast (Rambhartia, Berhampura, Khirisahi,
Balianta, Pokharikuda) with kitchen; provision of drinking
water with bore well, over head tank and solar lighting.
(v) Contingency 15.00
(v) Watch and ward at 7 sites @Rs.10,000/- per site per 42.50
month
Sub – Total 217.50
3B. To be implemented by the Berhampur (T) Forest Division
(i) Laying a trekking path from Pitisal to Patisonapur along 200.00
the coast with transit sheds in between (8 nos. at Pitisal,
Prayagi, Gokharakuda, Arjyapali, Gopalpur, Markundi,
Bahuda and Patisonapur) at strategic locations along with sit
outs; erection of signages, etc. along the track @ Rs.2,000/-
per km.; sit outs at 20 places @ Rs.5,000/- and signages 25
nos. @ Rs.3,000/- each along the trekking path.
(ii) Research –cum- Monitoring and Interpretation Centre with 200.00
audio visual system, A.C. furniture, fixtures, literatures on
nature and wildlife particularly aquatic/marine wildlife, etc.) at
Rushikulya mouth.
(iii) Tent accommodation (8 tents) on raised platforms at 10.00
strategic locations which fall along the trekking path.
(iv) Watch and ward for 10 sites @Rs.10,000/- per site per 60.00
month
(v) Speed boat (2 nos.) @Rs.40.00 lakhs each 80.00
(vi) Contingency 15.00
Sub – Total 565.00
4. A. Operation & Database development Unit at Wildlife
Organization Headquarter
Project Coordinator (1), Project Engineer (1), Scientist -cum 67.20
– curator (1), Driver (1), Peon (1) for five years
B. Field Operation & Database Develop unit
Research Fellow (3), Boat Driver (15), Navigator for Boat (8), 288.00
Boat Helper (15) for five years
Sub-Total 355.20
5 Investment Cost
(Furniture & Fittings, Computer, Office Equipments, etc. 52.76

112
 Operational cost
Vehicle Maintenance, AMC, Printing of stationary, etc. 115.10
Sub-Total 167.86
6 Monitoring and Evaluation (Quarterly for four major
zones such as Gahirmatha, Bhitarkanika, Chilika,
Berhampur)
Monitoring and evaluation of structural development and 25.00
activities @ Rs.1.25 lakh per quarter
Environmental and Social impact assessment including 40.00
Environmental Management Plan (EMP)
Sub-Total 65.00
Grand Total 2382.50

10. Environmental Management (OSPCB)

st nd th th
Component 1 2 rd 4 5
3 year Total
year year year year
Capacity Building

(i) Infrastructure
244.36 654.2 3.4 1.4 1.4 904.96
(ii) Operational Cost
(a) Manpower
19.02 30.24 30.24 30.24 30.24 139.98
(b) Laboratory Operating
Cost
0.00 37.45 25.12 4.05 0.00 66.62
(c) Office Operating Cost
Compon 5.16 4.86 3.96 3.96 3.96 21.9
ent A (d) Advertisement Cost 20.0 0 0 0 0 20.0
(e) Environmental
Monitoring including Travelling 2 6 6 4 2 20.00
Allowance
(iii) Operation and Maintenance
of Equipment/ Instruments 0 0 26.64 30.54 26.64 83.82
etc.
(iv) Contingency 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 5.0
Sub Total of Component A 291.54 733.75 96.36 75.19 65.24 1262.28
Compon Certification of laboratory 0 10.0 2.0 0 0 12.0
ent B
Mitigation measures of the 12.75 0 0 0 0 12.75
Compon
Environmental Impact of the
ent C
Project
Monitoring and Evaluation of
the Project
Compon (i) Monitoring and Evaluation 0 1.0 1.0 1.5 1.5 5.0
ent D (ii) Website development 0 1.75 0.25 0.25 0.25 2.50
(iii) Online database system for
0 3.2 0.4 0.4 0.4 4.40
ICZMP
Total, Year wise 300.49 740.4 100.01 77.34 67.39 1298.93
Grand Total : 1298.93

113
 11. Pollution Abatement Strategies (Solid Waste Management) Paradeep
Municipality
nd th th
Component st 2 rd 4 5
1 year 3 year Total
year year year

Investment Cost 145.4 1.4 0 0 0 146.80

Operational cost 68.10 68.08 68.08 68.08 68.08 340.42

Capacity building, Monitoring &
19.20 19.20 19.20 19.20 19.20 96.00
Evaluation
Civil work 360.72 591.34 0 0 0 952.06

Total 1535.28

12. Conservation and improvement of Archeological and Cultural Assets

nd rd th
S.No Name of Site 1 Year 2 Year 3 Year 4 Year Total ( in Lakhs)

1 Potagada, Ganjam Fort, Ganjam

2 Bhavakundalesvara Temple, Manikpatna
3 Harachandi Temple, Baliharachandi
4 Batesvara Temple, Kantiagada 274.00 226.00 141.00 99.00 740.00

5 Hariharadeva Temple, Nairi

6 British Cemetry, Ganjam
7 Jagannatha Temple, Pentha

13. Project Implementation and Management unit (PMU)

1. Non Recurring
(Rs. In Lakhs)
Sr. No. Heads Amount
1 Instrument, Computer & accessories 49.25
2 Vehicle (5 Nos) 50.00
3 Total 99.25

2. Recurring

a. Office maintenance
Heads 1st Yr 2nd Yr 3rd Yr 4th Yr 5th Yr Total
Rent for Building 4.8 4.8 4.8 4.8 4.8 24.00
Travel 20 20 20 20 20 100.00
Operational cost (AMC,
28.89 28.89 28.89 28.89 28.89 144.45
consumables)
Total 33.69 33.69 33.69 33.69 33.69 268.45

114
 b. Manpower
2nd
Position No of posts 1st Yr 3rd Yr 4th Yr 5th Yr Total
Yr
Project Director one 7.2 7.2 7.2 7.2 7.2 36.00
Program Manager Three 18.0 18.0 18.0 18.0 18.0 90.00
Scientist/ Engineer Eight 48.0 48.0 48.0 48.0 48.0 240.00
Documentation & Three 12.6 12.6 12.6 12.6 12.6 63.00
MIS Officer
Accountant One 2.4 2.4 2.4 2.4 2.4 12.00
Technical Assistant Four 7.2 7.2 7.2 7.2 7.2 36.00
Peon Four 4.8 4.8 4.8 4.8 4.8 24.00
Driver Five 7.2 7.2 7.2 7.2 7.2 36.00
Total 102.6 102.6 102.6 102.6 102.6 698.00

c. Monitoring & Evaluation (External)

Component 1st Yr 2nd Yr 3rd Yr 4th Yr 5th Yr Total
Monitoring & Evaluation
External consultancies 29.0 29.0 29.0 29.0 29.0 145.00
Travel & other overhead 2.3 2.3 2.3 2.3 2.3 11.50
Environment Management Plan
Capacity & institution 42.5 37.5 35.0 17.5 17.5 150.00
building
Travel & other overhead 20.0 20.0 20.0 20.0 20.0 100.00
Total 93.8 88.8 86.3 68.8 68.8 406.50

d. Grand Total

Total Recurring Expenditure (total a +b + c) : 1372.95

Total Non- Recurring Expenditure : 99.25

Grand total : 1472.20

115
G.2. Project Finance and Fund Flow arrangements

The entire project activities will be funded by the IDA (World Bank), Government of
India and the State Government of Orissa. The funds will be obtained through the Ministry
of Environment and Forests, Government of India. The required documents for
procurement of Consultants and machinery (including equipment) and works relating to
each component will be prepared and submitted by each participating Department/ agency
to the Govt. of Orissa, Dept of Forest & Environment (CDA). These documents/ proposals
will be submitted by the Govt. of Orissa to the Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF).
A separate budget head has been created in the State for implementation of ICZM
Project. The State Project Management Unit will receive the allotment from the National
Project Management Unit (MoEF) and then the funds will be released to the concerned
executing Agencies/ Departments from SPMU.

116