AbstractOdisha, being the coastal region situated in the eastern part of India, has a coastline that is stretched to 480 KM long and is vulnerable to climate change, pollution, and erosion, posing a threat to surrounding biodiversity, communities, and ecosystems. Coastal erosion is accelerated due to heavy rainfall and extreme events like cyclones and storm surges, whereas saltwater intrusion degrades the freshwater bodies and agricultural land. Pollution caused by anthropogenic activities such as industrial discharge, tourism activities, and single-use plastic waste disrupts the coastal and marine ecosystem. These changes alter the livelihood opportunities and tourism-dependent economies, causing threats to critical species. Combining initiatives by the government and public participation has accelerated community-based adaptation methods through the restoration of mangroves, implementing early warning systems, and enhancing sustainable practices to increase the resilience of the state. Though long-term sustainability is encouraged by creating a stronger framework, pollution-related awareness, and engagement of stakeholders, decision-makers, as well as communities, to curb the impacts of climate change. This paper analyses various challenges, including climate change, pollution, and coastal erosion in the coastal regions of Odisha, exploring the adaptation and mitigation strategies for a sustainable and climate-resilient future.
Pati et al. (Mon,) studied this question.