Rising sea level, a new concern
Friday September 14 2007 10:17 IST

EXPRESS NEWS SERVICE

BHUBANESWAR: A draft memorandum seeking Central assistance to the tune of Rs 7,000 crore to save the coastal villages from sea erosion and possible tsunami has been prepared by the Assembly committee on natural calamities.

The committee met under the chairmanship of Revenue Minister Manmohan Samal here on Thursday and discussed permanent measures to save the State from different natural calamities frequenting the State at regular intervals. While flood and drought are permanent features, the rising sea level eating into landmass in some coastal areas of the State is the emerging area of concern.

Although the State Government has sought the assistance of the Department of Oceanography to study reasons of the rising sea level and suggest measures to tackle the emerging problem, the House Committee felt the need for construction of a coastal highway to protect the coastal areas and human habitation from high tidal waves.

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