Fixing of a time line for different phases of activities to be undertaken against each scheme of the World Bank-aided project under the Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM) was stressed at the steering committee meeting of ICZM here on Tuesday.
Held under the chairmanship of Chief Secretary BK Patnaik, it was decided to conduct a study for collection of data on coastal dynamics and geo-climatic processes. The study will help in assessment of geo-physical processes of coastline in terms of erosion, variation in beach, morphology, possible hazard line location, littoral supply of rivers, sediment sources, impact of existing coastal structures on stability of coastline among other things. It could also help in prediction of factors that have more bearing on marine environment and the data will form the basis of Shore Line Management Plan (SLMP).
The ICZM Project Director Ajit Patnaik has been directed to make the study more comprehensive, empirical and utilitarian. The study should have the scope to answer many coastal-related queries.
The annual action plan for 2012-13 with a budget estimate of ` 110 crore was also discussed. The major components of the project include conservation of different species in Chilika lagoon, coastal protection at Pentha, environmental management, alternative livelihood options for fishermen, construction of multi-purpose cyclone shelters, eco-tourism, solid waste management in Paradip Municipality and bio-diversity conservation.
Meanwhile, 50 acres of land has been identified in Bhitargarh mauza of Paradip for establishment of solid waste management project. The meeting was informed that the tendering process for the project will be completed by August-end.
While the project envisages construction of 14 multipurpose cyclone shelters in Kendrapara, Puri and Ganjam districts, tendering process has been completed and work order issued for 12 sites.
The work for establishment of geo-tube embankment at Pentha in Kendrapara district is in full swing and the Water Resources Department has been advised to expedite the tendering process for installation of Geo-tubes, said a senior officer.
On plying of sound-proof boats in Chilika, the meeting decided to adopt a standard technology with the advise of IIT-Chennai so that the existing boats can be converted easily and new boats purchased as per requirement.
Secretaries of Finance, Tourism and Culture, Forest and Environment and MS&ME JK Mohapatra, AK Tripathy, RK Sharma and P Das respectively, Member of the State Pollution Control Board Sidhant Das and other senior officers were present.