Orissa takes steps to conserve its coastline

Bhubaneswar/Puri, Oct 1 (ANI): Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has announced plans to initiate an Integrated Coastal Zone Management Project (ICZMP) in his State.

Patnaik revealed aspects of the project at a seminar here.

He said the project would deal with ways to contain soil erosion on the coast, benefits for fishermen and promotion of eco-tourism.

"Actually, under the ICZM Project, we are augmenting our lake monitoring system. So, we would be developing our land research system, we will upgrade it into a modern monitoring system, through numerical modelling, physical modelling and biological modeling," said Ajit Pattnaik, the chief of the project.

"Some monitoring equipment is also included under this project, also species research," he added.

The World Bank is providing Rupees 2.27 billion financial assistance for the project.

"We think, in this project, we are trying to create a balance between conservation and livelihood security of the poor people in the coast," said Tapan Paul, a World Bank employee based in India.

The Orissa coastline is endowed with mangroves, coral reefs, sea grasses, salt marshes, sand dunes, estuaries, lagoons and natural habitat. By Sarada Lahangir (ANI)