Opportunities for human occupation

Question 1

1

Answer 1

Odisha’s coastal zone has a wide variety of marine and coastal flora and fauna including mangroves, sea grasses, salt marshes, sand dunes, estuaries and lagoons.

There are large stocks of fish, marine mammals, reptiles and Olive Ridley Turtles, seagrass meadows and abundant seaweeds.

The area has huge potential for offshore wind, tidal and wave power.

35% of the coastal stretch is laden with substantial sediment minerals and heavy metal deposits. There are important clay and limestone resources in the north of the state.

Question 2

2

Answer 2

There are opportunities for offshore oil and natural gas, as well as seabed mining.

Many local people are employed in coastal fishing and increasingly in aquaculture such as shrimps
Cultural and archaeological sites also dot the coast, drawing visitors from around the world.

Tourism is important, with the coastal beaches and wildlife sanctuaries being major attractions.

The Chilika Lake Bird Sanctuary boasts over 150 migratory and resident species of birds.