Jatadhar river mouth close to the proposed Posco steel mill and Paradip oil refinery project. Telegraph picture

Paradip, June 18: Sea has turned unsteady along the Jatadhar river mouth near the proposed Posco steel mill and Paradip oil refinery project.

Tidal waves have been battering the vulnerable coastline for past one week, posing a threat to several villages near the projects.

The erosion in Kendrapara district has become of a matter of concern, while neighbouring Jagatsinghpur is contending with the sea scourge.

“Apart from the breakwater system put in place at Paradip port, dredging that is taking place for the oil refinery project has fastened the erosion. The National Institute of Oceanography had suggested that dredging should be done 8km from the Jatadhar river mouth coastline. However, Indian Oil Corporation Limited has disregarded the institute’s suggestion. The sand dredging is still going on the vulnerable zones. Tree-felling within the steel project areas has also cast its adverse effect,” said Sankhanada Behera, chief of the Coastal Odisha Eco-foundation.

Fishermen have stopped venturing into the unsteady water. Fishing has become a risky proposition because of strong current in the river water.

The river mouth is on the verge of disappearing. Dredging activity of the sea floor has imperilled the topography of the region. Apart from formation of a new mouth and ingression of tidal waves, it has led to decline in fish stocks. The formation of a new river mouth has impeded the drainage of rainwater. Now, it has been plugged leading to flood in the area. The natural sand dunes have fast disappeared due to interference such as dredging of river bed, said Chinmaya Das, a local environment activist.

General manager (HR), Paradip oil refinery project, W.R. Barbara said: “Dredging was carried out along the mid-sea with necessary sanction from competent authorities. Besides the activity has already come to an end for over a year. So, the oil company has nothing to do with the recent phenomenon.”

Paradip additional district magistrate Surajit Das said: “The situation is not at all alarming as it is being projected. However, the administration is making its on-the-spot assessment.”