Climate crisis hits Ganjam: Aryapalli beach erosion continues to worsen

In a worrying turn of events, the sea has once again surged forward, breaching the coastline at Aryapalli in Odisha’s Ganjam district. What was once a receding shoreline has now become a site of intense coastal erosion, with high tides swallowing roads and even a beachside shed.

The situation has escalated further with the sea damaging the road that connects the Marine Police Station to Aryapalli. Where once the sea lay around five kilometers from the village, it now threatens homes just a few meters away, sparking widespread fear among locals.

Residents of Aryapalli remain in a state of panic as the relentless sea continues to inch closer, raising grave concerns about safety, displacement, and long-term coastal stability.

Must Read: Coastal villages in Ganjam face growing threat from rising sea levels

Experts warn that climate change and rising sea levels are accelerating the crisis. The Ganjam coast is increasingly vulnerable, and Aryapalli now finds itself on the frontline of a slow-moving environmental disaster.

While the administration has made efforts to prevent sea encroachment by placing stones along the shore, local leaders and environmentalists argue that such steps are grossly insufficient in the face of growing threats. Calls for comprehensive and sustainable coastal protection measures are growing louder.