THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU

BHUBANESWAR, AUGUST 29, 2026

Odisha is working on a comprehensive, long-term strategy to protect its 573-km coastline from erosion and climate-related threats while restoring coastal ecosystems, strengthening livelihoods and unlocking the sustainable potential of the Blue Economy under the proposed Adaptive Resilience Investment in Coastal Systems on Economics (ARISE) Project.

A high-level meeting on the proposed project was held at Lok Seva Bhawan here on Friday to deliberate on an integrated roadmap for coastal protection, climate resilience and sustainable economic development in the state's coastal areas.

Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari, who chaired the meeting, stressed the need for a holistic approach to coastal management that brings together coastal protection, environmental conservation, livelihood security, biodiversity protection and economic sustainability.

Pujari said the proposed ARISE Project should strengthen the resilience of both coastal communities and ecosystems against the growing impacts of climate change.

A preliminary assessment of Odisha's 573-km coastline has been undertaken jointly by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the Odisha State Disaster Management Authority (OSDMA). Consultations have also been held with the ADB and the departments of Water Resources, Forest, Fisheries and Animal Resources Development, and Revenue and Disaster Management on critical issues, including coastal erosion, sediment management, protection of vulnerable coastal villages and safeguarding the lives and livelihoods of communities living along the coast.

Based on these consultations, the ADB and OSDMA have prepared a preliminary report, which was discussed in detail at the meeting.

The meeting was informed that the ADB has also been working with the state governments of Kerala, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu on coastal protection initiatives. The first phase of the coastal protection project in Karnataka has already been completed.

Pujari said that after completion of the final assessment and preparation of the report for Odisha, the ARISE Project would be implemented in a phased manner, with appropriate interventions aimed at strengthening coastal protection across the state.

Integrated measures to tackle coastal erosion figured prominently in the discussions, with emphasis on scientific and technology-driven interventions to reduce erosion, protect vulnerable stretches and build long-term resilience along Odisha's coastline.

The meeting also deliberated on the development of Odisha's Blue Economy by sustainably and responsibly harnessing the state's vast marine resources and economic potential. The proposed approach is aimed at creating greater livelihood and economic opportunities for coastal communities while contributing to the state's overall economic growth.

Climate-resilient coastal tourism was another key area of discussion, particularly in view of the increasing impact of climate change and natural hazards. The participants discussed sustainable tourism models that can balance economic opportunities with environmental conservation while making coastal tourism infrastructure and communities more resilient to future risks.

Coastal protection and sediment management were identified as crucial components of the proposed interventions. The meeting stressed the importance of understanding the natural dynamics of Odisha's coastline and adopting scientifically informed approaches to manage sediment movement and deposition.

Strengthening natural coastal defence systems and undertaking suitable protective measures at vulnerable locations were also discussed as part of the long-term strategy.

The proposed project will also place special emphasis on institutional strengthening, capacity building and advanced technological systems. Discussions focused on enhancing the institutional capabilities of departments and agencies involved in coastal management, improving the technical skills of officials and personnel, and facilitating knowledge and experience sharing among stakeholders.

The use of modern technology, real-time data and digital platforms for effective coastal management was also emphasised. An integrated technological monitoring system to track coastal erosion, improve hazard forecasting, support data-driven decision-making and strengthen preparedness and response mechanisms was identified as an important component of the proposed long-term strategy.

The meeting underlined that the ARISE Project should follow a long-term, scientific, integrated and sustainable approach to enhance climate resilience along Odisha's extensive coastline while simultaneously strengthening environmental protection, disaster resilience, coastal livelihoods and economic development.

Special Relief Commissioner and Managing Director, OSDMA, Rajesh Prabhakar Patil, senior officials of OSDMA and senior officials of the Asian Development Bank attended the meeting.