Is Aryapalli Village on the Brink of Submersion? Residents Sound the Alarm!

Coastal Communities Face Rising Sea Threats

Chhatrapur: Coastal villages in Odisha's Ganjam district are facing an alarming threat as rising sea levels, driven by climate change and intensified tidal activity, inch closer to their homes. Residents of Aryapalli village are particularly anxious as the sea continues to encroach upon their land.

Reports from locals indicate that the shoreline, which was previously situated around two kilometers from Aryapalli, has now receded to a mere 30 meters away. In just three years, the sea has reportedly moved more than two kilometers inland.

The villagers have noted that two temples in the Sana Aryapalli area have been destroyed and submerged due to the relentless high tides and turbulent sea conditions.

This alarming situation has raised concerns among the local fishing communities, who fear that their entire village could be lost if the current trend persists. In light of this, they are calling for the construction of a protective seawall to shield their area.

Villagers K Dasharathi, B Bhimsen, M Dilip, and N Dinabandhu expressed their determination, stating, “If no action is taken, we will stage a protest in front of the Gopalpur Port.”