Satyanarayan Mohapatra

In the 1980s, the coastal state of Odisha embarked on a transformative journey with the Odisha Social Forestry Project, a pioneering initiative supported by the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA). This ambitious project aimed to breathe new life into the states degraded and deforested landscapes while empowering local communities and fostering environmental conservation. Little did they know that this endeavor would also contribute to mitigating the impact of intensifying tropical cyclones that lash the state's coastal belt.

Coastal shelterbelts: nature's windbreaks

One of the key features of the project was the creation of coastal shelterbelts, dense plantations of trees strategically positioned along the coastline. These shelterbelts act as natural windbreaks, reducing the destructive force of cyclones and storm surges. Cashew, casuarina, and eucalyptus trees, known for their resilience and adaptability to coastal conditions, were among the chosen species. 

How trees tame the fury of cyclones

• Reduced wind speed: The dense network of trees in shelterbelts acts as a physical barrier, disrupting the flow of wind and reducing its speed. This lessens the impact of the cyclone's destructive winds on coastal communities and infrastructure.
• Storm surge buffer: Shelterbelts also help mitigate the impact of storm surges, the abnormal rise in sea level caused by cyclones. The trees absorb some of the surge's energy, reducing its destructive potential.
• Soil stabilisation: The roots of trees in shelterbelts bind the soil, preventing erosion and landslides, which are often exacerbated by heavy rainfall during cyclones.

Beyond cyclone protection

The Odisha Social Forestry Project's benefits extend beyond cyclone mitigation. The project has also:

• Increased forest cover: Contributing significantly to increasing forest cover in Odisha, with millions of trees planted.
• Improved livelihoods: Providing income and employment opportunities for rural communities, particularly women and marginalized groups.
• Environmental benefits: Enhancing soil conservation, water management, and biodiversity. 

A green shield for the future

The Odisha Social Forestry Project, despite its noble intentions, remains a poignant reminder of a missed opportunity. Abandoned midway, it serves as a stark contrast to the potential it held in mitigating the impacts of climate change and fortifying Odisha's coastal belt against intensifying cyclones. Had the project reached its full potential, the devastation wrought by Cyclone Dana and its predecessors might have been significantly lessened. The vision of empowered communities, restored landscapes, and a resilient coastal shield remains a poignant "what if" in the face of nature's fury.