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Minister advises people facing erosion to shift to safer places

BERHAMPUR: The State government should send plans and proposals for protection of coastal areas facing wrath sea erosion to the centre for necessary steps by the end of monsoons, said the Union Minister of State for Rural Development, Chandrasekhar Sahu.

Mr. Sahu visited the Ramayapatna village on Ganjam coast which faced severe sea erosion during the first week of August. The very existence of this village inhabited by around 500 families was under threat. Mr. Sahu said similar destructive action of sea waves was being felt at several coastal areas of the State including Ramayapatna, Puri, Gopalpur, Chilika lake.

According to him it was the duty of the State government to send proposals for the protection of these areas as early as possible to the centre. It would enable the centre to release funds for the purpose so that the work could be started for the protection measures during the winter to end before next monsoons, he said. He criticised the State government for failing to rehabilitate the villagers of Podampeta on Ganjam coast till now. These villagers had faced severe sea erosion last year. He said the State government’s proposal of building up scientifically designed guard wall at Gopalpur beach resort at a cost of over Rs. 10 crore would be passed by the centre soon.

He however advised the inhabitants of Ramyapatna to agree to the rehabilitation proposal and get rehabilitated at a distance of at least one kilometer from the sea to be safe. “The rapid climatic changes are making coastal regions dangerous and one should get prepared for it and shift to safe distance,” he said to the villagers affected by sea erosion.

It may be noted that these villagers of Ramayapatna were opposed to displacement although sea waves were washing away their houses.

On Saturday the State Cabinet Minister, Surya Narayan Patro and the BJD MLA of Chikiti, Usha Devi had also visited Ramyapatna. Mr. Patro had promised construction of a guard wall in the area to save the village. He also assured for the construction of a cyclone shelter at the village.

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