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Sea fury in Puri, again
Large tidal waves have again struck the coast of Orissa, reports Soumyajit Pattnaik.
Large tidal waves have again struck the coast of Orissa. This time portions of the picturesque Puri-Konark marine drive were badly damaged on Monday.
A portion of the beach in Puri town was eroded in a similar manner last year. Similar wave fury was witnessed last year in Gopalpur as well. Moreover, in Satabhaya area of Kendrapara district, the sea level is continuously rising.
On the latest effects of tidal wave, environment director Bhagirathi Behera said: “We have sent experts to the spot. On the basis of reports, we will initiate action. However, with World Bank assistance we are implementing an Integrated Coastal Zone Development Plan. Climate change may be one of the factors responsible for this type of tidal waves.”
A senior official who visited the marine drive road said, “The sea activities have increased in the post-tsunami period. As the south-west monsoon is also very active, the sea current pattern is also changing.”
An expert team, appointed by the Union Ministry of Environment and Forests, had visited in September 2007. In its report, the team had favoured construction of a sea wall to protect the populated areas located near the sea.
