Guard wall on Puri-Konark Marine Drive Road washed away

Guard wall on Puri-Konark Marine Drive caved in on Sunday due to strong currents in sea. Following the collapse of the guard wall, the threat has assumed dangerous proportions on the Puri-Konark coast that the sea may devour major portions of land, beaches and roads along the coastline.

Residents feared the Marine Drive alone could be swallowed by the Bay if nothing important is done in this regard.

It is learnt that, Marine Road has been covered with sand damaging the embankment and flora alongside the road due to strong currents of the sea. The strong sea waves have eroded the dunes at the Chandrabhaga beach and seawater is even touching the road in some places. This has destroyed the beauty of the sand dunes at the beach.

Puri sub-collector Bhabatarana Sahu, meanwhile, visited the spot and took stock of the situation. Also, National Highway Authorities of India has provided adequate number of sand sacks to repair the damaged stretch on Puri-Konark Marine Drive. 

Puri Sub-collector, said, “Strong sea waves have eroded dunes and ingressed 1,900 metre on Puri-Konark Marine Drive. Steps are being taken to prevent the devastation brought in by the marauding sea. NHAI personnel are working on it. Besides, two electric poles have been damaged after being hit by the strong waves.  We are looking for permanent solution to avoid recurrence of such incidents.”

According to sources, the sea has made its way into the some portions of Siali beach, one of the tourist attractions in the district. seawater has ingressed Siali banks under Ersama block in Jagatsinghpur district much to the inconvenience of Padmapur villagers. Incessant rain coupled with high tide has led to sea erosion in the locality. 

Also, the tidal waves have come closer to the View Tower and are constantly eating away the coast near View Tower. If it continues, the View Tower will collapse one day, it is being alleged.

Though the district administration visited the area and even put sand bags to stop the erosion. But it has not yielded any result.