Integrated Coastal Zone Management Project

Odisha is a state located on the east coast of India, by the Bay of Bengal (Fig.1). It was established on November 1, 1956, with the passing of the States Reorganization Act, and consists, predominantly of Oriya speakers. Odisha has a population of 32 million. About 87% of the population lives in the villages and one third of the rural population does not own any land other than homesteads. 25% of Odisha's population is tribal. The state has a very opulent cultural heritage, one of the richest in India. The capital city of Bhubaneswar is known for the exquisite temples that dot its landscape.

Odisha is the ninth largest state by area and the eleventh largest by population. Oriya is the official and most widely spoken language. Odisha has a relatively unintended coastline of about 480 km long, but lacks good ports, except for the deepwater facility at Paradeep. The narrow, level coastal strip, including the Mahanadi River delta supports the 2 bulk of the population. The interior of the state is mountainous and sparsely populated. Deomali at 1672 m is the highest point of the state.

• Integrated Coastal Zone Management of Odisha coast - Gopalpur to Chilika and Paradeep to Dhamara