Severe sea erosion has affected parts of Aryapalli village in Ganjam district, with strong waves damaging roads and large stretches of the coastline in the Podampeta area.
The situation has raised concern among residents as the sea continues to move closer to the village, threatening connectivity and nearby infrastructure.
Three Roads Damaged in Three Days
Strong sea waves have reportedly damaged three major roads in the area over the past three days.
The latest incident occurred late Monday night when the main road connecting K. Aryapalli village with the Marine Police Station was washed away. The damage has disrupted direct road connectivity between the village and the police station, creating difficulties for residents and emergency movement.
The continuing erosion has also affected transportation routes used by villagers for their daily activities.
Sea Waves Reach Close to Village
The advancing sea has reportedly reached an area near the village cremation ground, adding to the concerns of local residents.
Villagers fear that continued coastal erosion could cause further damage to roads and bring the sea even closer to residential areas.
A local resident said the village is more than a century old and that the ongoing erosion has created serious transportation problems.
“Our village is over 100 years old, and we are concerned about the damage caused by the sea. The main problem at present is transportation. The roads connecting the village to the outside areas have been washed away, and children are also facing difficulties in going to school,” the resident said.
Fishermen Face Difficulties
The erosion has also affected the local fishing community, with fishermen reportedly facing difficulties in accessing routes used for fishing-related activities and business.
A fisherman said the roads were important for reaching fishing areas as well as government offices.
“We used these roads to go fishing and for our business. Now, we are also facing difficulties in reaching the panchayat office. The sea is around 20 to 30 metres from the village. We are concerned that continued sea ingress could bring it closer,” he said.
The disruption of road connectivity could further affect the movement of residents, schoolchildren, fishermen and other villagers.
Villagers Demand Protection Wall
Residents have urged the authorities to take immediate measures to prevent further coastal erosion and protect the remaining roads and infrastructure.
Among the measures sought by villagers are the construction of a protective wall and stone pitching along the vulnerable coastal stretch.
Locals believe that early intervention could help slow down the erosion and prevent further damage to roads and other important infrastructure.
With strong waves continuing to affect the coastline, villagers are now seeking urgent action from the authorities to protect Aryapalli and restore vital road connectivity before the situation worsens.
