Community-Based Action Plan To Make Coastal Communities More Climate Resilient In Odisha

Bhubaneswar: In another step towards enhancing the climate resilience of coastal communities the State Government has decided to implement a community-based action plan from the current year.

The decision was taken at a meeting of the Steering Committee of the Integrated Coastal Management Society (ICZMS) held today.

The meeting held on digital mode from Lokseba Bhawan was chaired by Chief Secretary Suresh Chandra Mahapatra.

Additional Chief Secretary Forest Environment and Climate Change Satyabrata Sahu outlined the proposal for discussion.

Considering different contours of the plan, the Chief Secretary directed to focus on regeneration of coastal eco-system and promotion of climate resilient sustainable livelihood in the coastal communities.

He directed for preparation of an annual action plan in consultation with the respective communities.

Mahapatra also directed to prioritize the villages that generally face climate-induced calamities over the years.

It was also decided to undertake densification of mangrove forests and seagrass for enriching the coastal ecosystem and reduction of the impact of tidal surges and storms.

Mahapatra asked to explore all possible places for the development of eco-tourism with boating and wildlife-watching facilities. It was decided to prepare the livelihood plan as per the needs of the people and the potential of the concerned areas.

Project Director ICZMS Sushanta Nanda appraised that the interventions would be rolled out from the current year and would be completed by 2026-27.

An amount of Rs 261.50 crore would be invested. The main coastal landscapes to be treated under the project would include the areas like Talsari in Balasore district, Bhitarkanika in Kendrapara district, Bahuda and Chilika in Ganjam district, and Devi Mouth, Chilika in Puri district. Around 3,75,321 hectares of coastal area spreading over 339 gram panchayats and five forest divisions would be included in it.

The project would contribute to the ongoing efforts of the State Government in addressing the impacts of the climatic hazards and disasters on the vulnerable coastal communities through the popularization of climate adaptive livelihood activities.

Community-based organizations, NGOs, eco-clubs, women self help groups (SHGs) and local village communities would be involved in the planning, execution and carrying forward of the intervention.

Additional Chief Secretary Water Resources Anu Garg, Additional Chief Secretary Revenue and Disaster Management Satyabrata Sahu, Principal Secretary Tourism Surendra Kumar, Principal Secretary Finance Vishal Kumar Dev, Director Environment and PD, IZCMS Susanta Nanda along with senior officers from concerned departments participated in the deliberations.