Puri: Water Resources secretary Pradip Jena on Wednesday said natural process will be followed to check the erosion at the Puri beach caused by surging sea waves.
Talking to newsmen, Jena said, “No structures will be constructed on the beach to reduce the erosion as it will affect the scenic beauty of the coast.”
Asked about the erosion of the shoreline at Swarga Dwara, Jena said, “An expert team from IIT, Madras had visited the spot. They will give us suggestions after studying various aspects of the erosion. We are mainly focusing on the natural process to rebuild the beach.”
“We have started digging out the Mangala mouth, which was halted due to rain, once again. It will take another seven to eight days to complete the process. We expect this will help in checking the erosion at Swargadwar,” Jena added.
“If the process helps in the rebuilding process, then we will not follow any artificial methods to check the erosion,” Jena informed.
Later in the day, four senior geo-scientists of Society for Geoscientists Allied Technologists inspected the spot where the Mangala river has changed its course.
After reviewing the situation, the experts said a current is forming in the Sea as the water of the river is not being released properly.
Girija Prasad Mohapatra, senior geologist, said, “The bar formed there is obstructing the long shore current. All of a sudden, a huge sediment was deposited there not allowing the lower sediments to come above. This is why the erosion is taking place there.”
Notably, the beach in the pilgrim town has been swallowed by the tidal waves creating fear among tourists and local people. Many spots have been red flagged by the administration restricting the entry of tourists. Vendors on the beach have been asked to shift out from the place.