Odisha Coast Flashcards
(14 cards)
Where is Odisha located?
On the Southeast Coast of India, bordering the Bay of Bengal
How large is Odisha in terms of area and population?
It is India’s 9th largest state by area and 11th by population.
What is Chilika Lake and why is it important?
A salty lagoon famous for its wildlife; monsoons reduce its salinity.
Describe the environment of Odisha’s coast.
Rich in biodiversity with mangroves, sea grasses, sand dunes, and many marine species including fish, reptiles, and marine animals.
What are five opportunities for human occupation and development in Odisha?
Large fish stocks
Offshore wind, tidal, and wave power potential
35% of the coast has mineral and heavy metal deposits
Offshore oil and natural gas
Tourism (beaches, sanctuaries, archaeological sites)
What risks face human occupation and development in Odisha?
Storm surges, tsunamis, climate change, and rising sea levels threaten coastal communities.
What did the shoreline assessment in Odisha reveal?
Hard engineering (e.g., sea walls) shifts erosion problems down-drift.
Disrupting sediment transport threatens natural features like beaches, dunes, and salt marshes.
What percentage of Odisha’s coastline is eroding and stable?
36.8% is eroding, and 14.4% is stable.
How has human intervention affected Odisha’s coast?
It disrupted sediment transfer, destabilised wave energy patterns, and increased erosion in some areas.
When did Odisha experience its most devastating cyclone?
In 1999 – the strongest recorded cyclone in the Indian Ocean, killing over 10,000 people.
What are the main aims of Odisha’s Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM)?
Ensure sustainable economic and social activity
Address environmental, social, and economic issues
Protect the coastal environment
Who are the partners in Odisha’s ICZM scheme?
The Ministry of Forest and Environment, Indian Government, The World Bank, and Odisha’s Government.
What are the 6 major issues identified on Odisha’s coast?
Coastal erosion
Disaster vulnerability
Biodiversity conservation
Livelihood security
Pollution and environmental quality
Conservation of cultural assets
Why is Wetlands International working to restore mangroves in Odisha?
To sustainably protect against cyclones, storm surges, and tsunamis by helping locals plant and cultivate mangroves.
