Coastline erosion along Puri sea beach raises concern

Puri: The eroded shoreline near Swargadwar in Puri swallowed by tidal waves has left the district administration and locals worried. This has affected the livelihood of many shopkeepers who line up on the beach with their make-shift outlets.

Though erosion is a natural occurrence near shores, a 200-feet erosion spotted recently near the Chaitanya square to Swargadwar coastline, has raised concern. Following the erosion, the district administration has 'red flagged' many spots restricting the entry of tourists. Vendors on the beach have also been directed to shift out from the place.

A similar erosion had taken place near Swargadwar in August 2016 following which a team of experts from IIT Madras had come for inspection of the shoreline.

The experts had attributed the erosion to formation of current in the Sea due to non-release of water into rivers.