Chhatrapur: Two temples at Aryapalli on the Ganjam coast were washed away by strong tidal waves Friday night, while two more are now facing the threat of being engulfed by the sea as coastal erosion continues to intensify in the area. The sea has remained rough under the influence of the deep depression, with high tides breaching the shoreline and increasingly encroaching on coastal areas, triggering concern among residents of nearby villages. The two temples were reportedly washed away during the high tide Friday night. The waves have now reached close to two other temples, raising fears among villagers that they too could be lost to the sea if the erosion continues.
Several temples and roads in the village have previously been damaged or washed away due to coastal erosion. Villagers have alleged that the problem has been aggravated by activities of the Gopalpur Port authorities. Residents have repeatedly drawn the attention of the administration to the issue and have also staged protests in front of the port gate. Following discussions involving the district administration, villagers and Gopalpur Port authorities, stone-pitching work has been undertaken along the shoreline as a protective measure. However, villagers said the stone-pitching work alone would not be sufficient to check the continuing erosion and demanded a permanent solution to protect the village and its religious structures.
The district administration had earlier indicated that a detailed project report (DPR) was being prepared for a permanent coastal protection project. The protection work was expected to begin after the DPR received approval. Villagers fear that any delay in approval and execution could lead to further loss of land and structures to the sea. They have urged the authorities to expedite permanent coastal protection measures along the Aryapalli coast and safeguard the two temples currently under threat, besides protecting the nearby village from further erosion.
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