Where is the Odisha coastline located?
Eastern India, bordering the Bay of Bengal; spans 574.7 km across 6 districts.
Name three rivers affecting Odisha’s coastal systems.
Mahanadi, Brahmani, Subarnarekha.
What are the main coastal landforms along Odisha?
Deltas, barrier beaches, mudflats, estuaries, spits, and lagoons (e.g., Chilika Lagoon).
What is the main coastal process affecting Odisha’s coastline?
Longshore drift (north to south) driven by SW monsoon winds.
Why does erosion occur along parts of Odisha’s coastline?
Sea-level rise, storm surges, trapped sediment from dams, human structures disrupting sediment transport.
Which area of Odisha suffers from the highest erosion rates?
Pentha (10–15 m/year erosion).
What is Bhitarkanika known for?
India’s 2nd largest mangrove forest; protects from storms and floods.
Why is Gahirmatha beach globally significant?
It’s the largest nesting ground for olive ridley turtles.
How do mangroves help with coastal management?
Reduce wave energy, stabilize sediment, and provide habitats for wildlife.
Which major cyclone hit Odisha in 2019?
Cyclone Fani (Category 4).
How does climate change threaten Odisha’s coast?
Rising sea levels increase erosion, flooding, and salinization of farmland.
How many coastal villages in Odisha are now “tsunami-ready”?
24 villages (UNESCO certification).
What type of hard engineering was built at Pentha?
Geo-synthetic sea wall (700m long, sand-filled tubes).
What are the drawbacks of hard engineering in Odisha?
Expensive; causes erosion in areas down-drift (sediment starvation).
Give an example of a soft engineering solution in Odisha.
Mangrove replanting by community groups (e.g., OPSA) in Bhitarkanika.
What policy guides coastal management in Odisha?
Coastal Zone Management Plan (CZMP).
Why is sustainable fishing important in Odisha?
Fishing supports 60% of coastal livelihoods; overfishing threatens stocks.
What is the purpose of the seasonal fishing ban (April–June)?
Protects breeding fish; leads to healthier populations after lifting.
Which major port disrupts sediment flow along the Odisha coast?
Paradip Port.
What percentage of Odisha’s coast is eroding?
25–37% depending on the source.
What percentage of Odisha’s coast is accreting (growing)?
Around 50%.
What is the predicted future for erosion by 2050?
Over 200 km may erode, affecting 45% of the coastline.
