Detection of decadal shoreline changes along Dhamara and Maipura coast, Odisha, India

Abstract

Coastal erosion is one of the major problems of the coastal zone. The erosion is triggered by various reasons such as high wave energy, reduction of sediments, natural disasters and climate change etc. In the era of industrialization, major infrastructure developments are happening along the coast. Prior to the initiation of those projects, it is important to understand the coastal processes of erosion, deposition, sediment-transport, flooding and sea-level-changes of the region which continuously alters the shoreline. These processes disturb the stability and productivity of aquatic environment and may have severe implications for proprietors. This study attempts morphological assessment of shoreline in the middle coastal plains of Odisha state on the east coast of India. Shorelines changes study is carried out at Dhamra and Maipura Coast to quantify erosion and accretion during years 1990 – 2012. Satellite derived remote sensing data of LANDSAT and IRS P6 for the years 1990, 2000 and 2012 were used in this study. Dhamra coast has been modified in between these years due to anthropogenic disturbance such as port development. Maipura coast which has large mangrove cover, Bhitarkanika national park carries its ecological importance. These coasts experienced erosion during 2000-2012 compared to 1990-2000. Accretion is noticed in the nearby river mouths. Temporal variation of sediments and frequent flood events will also be discussed in the paper. The detailed analysis reveals that the maximum erosion of 227 m, 47 m in a decade at Dhamra and Maipura coasts respectively. Area of Dhamra coast was under accretion during 1990-2000 and this area experienced erosion near Dhamra port just after the development of port in 2007. This study concludes that shoreline of study area is under high risk of erosion and inundation due to natural as well as anthropogenic activities in the area