Jagatsinghpur, July 25: A powerful tidal surge has once again breached the coastline at Siali Beach, one of prominent tourist destinations in Odisha’s Jagatsinghpur district, triggering widespread panic among residents of nearby villages. On the night of July 23, coinciding with the new moon, seawater surged nearly 500 meters inland, inundating parts of Padmapur Panchayat under Erasama block.

The advancing waves crossed the coastal forest and embankments, flooding the Belabhumi Mahotsav grounds, roadside shops, the OTDC guest house, and vehicle parking areas. The sea now stretches seamlessly into the once-elevated casuarina forest, raising fears of further erosion and displacement.

Villagers from Gadharishpur, Padmapur, Ambiki, Siali, Shankha, Nolia Sahi, Kalabedi, and Ramtara panchayats are living in fear, as the sea continues to encroach upon their homes and farmland. Local residents recall that Siali Beach was declared a tourist site in 2007, with infrastructure like a sea-view tower, OTDC hall, and parking zones developed to attract visitors. However, lack of long-term coastal protection has left the area vulnerable.

The foundation of the view tower weakened due to sand erosion, forcing authorities to demolish it. Earlier efforts to prevent tidal damage using casuarina wood, wire mesh, and stone barriers have been swallowed by the advancing sea.

Locals are now demanding the construction of a stone embankment from Gadharishpur to Jatadhari river mouth, along with the creation of a protective forest belt to resist future tidal surges. Without immediate intervention, the region faces the threat of irreversible damage and displacement.

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