Parliament Question: Schemes to Fortify the Coastal Shelter in Balasore

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 112 TO BE ANSWERED ON 20.07.2026 Schemes to Fortify the Coastal Shelter in Balasore 112. SHRI PRATAP CHANDRA SARANGI: Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE be pleased to state? (a) whether the Government has details about the schemes/programmes implemented in Balasore district of Odisha to deal with the constant flooding to ensure fortification of the coastal shelter belt; (b) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor; (c) the details of funds apportioned and expended for this endeavour during the last five years; (d) the details of accomplishments attained hitherto in terms of the area encompassed under mangrove and casuarina plantations in the said district; (e) whether the Government has faced impediments in effectuating this project in the said district; and (f) if so, the steps taken by the Government to surmount these impediments and ensure the punctual completion of this project? ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE (SHRI KIRTI VARDHAN SINGH) (a) and (b): Coastal Protection Works are undertaken by the respective State Governments/UTs. Various state and central sponsored programs are being implemented to enhance coastal resilience in Balasore district, which inter-alia includes: (i) Mangrove Initiative for Shoreline Habitats & Tangible Incomes (MISHTI) - A central scheme dedicated to the intensive restoration and plantation of mangroves along the coastline to mitigate storm surges and flooding. (ii) State Plan/Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority (CAMPA) - State funded compensatory afforestation and resource management programs are used to erect natural barriers against cyclone winds, coastal erosion and tidal ingress by Casuarina plantations. (iii) Enhancing Climate Resilience of India's Coastal Communities (ECRICC): A climate adaptation project by the Green Climate Fund to tackle the twin issues of sustainable development and climate resilience in coastal areas. (c) to (d): The details of expenditure incurred and area covered under the mangrove and casuarina plantations since 2022 as per State Forest Department, Odisha are as follows:Year Scheme Approximate Expenditure incurred (in lakhs) (in hectares) 2022-23 ECRICC 50 36.41 CAMPA 40 44.78 2023-24 ECRICC 100 108.41 CAMPA* 15 42.61 2024-25 ECRICC 125 150.64 CAMPA* 37 100.05 2025-26 ECRICC (Maintenance) 56.58 MISHTI 40 14.42 CAMPA (Maintenance) 40.58 * including maintenance (e) and (f): As per the State Forest Department, Odisha, the key impediments faced in the mangrove and casuarina plantation include hydrological alterations, predation and pests, monospecific plantations, soil degradation, displacement of native flora and limited storm-buffer efficacy. The steps taken to overcome such impediments for mangrove plantation include restoration of hydrology to create favourable conditions for seedling establishment and long term survival; use of native, site-specific species to enhance biodiversity and ecological resilience; protection from grazing and pests through fencing, community surveillance and periodic monitoring; planting of healthy, disease free seedlings; regular monitoring and timely replanting during suitable planting seasons. For Casuarina plantation, steps include appropriate site selections to complement native vegetation and mangrove ecosystems; integration with native species, soil management practices to maintain soil health and controlled plantation design to reduce competition and maintain ecological balance. ****