Odisha coastal erosion threatens lives, livelihoods; measures underway

The ocean is slowly eating away the land along the coast of Odisha, a state in India.

This is called coastal erosion, and it happens when waves, storms, and rising sea levels wash away the beach and land.

A study found that about 28% of Odisha's coastline is being worn away.

Some villages have already been swallowed by the sea, and many families have lost their homes and jobs.

The government is trying to help by building special walls and barriers.

One type of barrier is a big fabric tube filled with sand that absorbs the waves.

They are also building roads that double as walls to stop the sea.

Six coastal districts are affected, with Jagatsinghpur being the worst.

The government is also building a new village to resettle people who lost their homes.

It is a big problem, but people are working to protect the coast and the communities living there.