A new insight to vulnerability of Central Odisha coast, India using analytical hierarchical process (AHP) based approach

The occurrence of the PHAILIN, HUDHUD cyclones in the Bay of Bengal region highlights the importance of continuous monitoring of this area from the coastal vulnerability perspective. The increase in the magnitude and frequency of coastal disasters is estimated to cause disastrous effects on the ever-increasing coastal population as well as the natural resources that are available in these regions. In this paper, the coastal vulnerability of a part of the Odisha coast, including the districts of Kendrapara and Jagatsinghpur, has been assessed on a relatively finer scale. These districts are reported to be the most vulnerable areas along the Odisha coast. A set of Physical-geological parameters and socio-economic factors are used to derive the vulnerability using AHP, and vulnerability maps are prepared to demarcate areas with different vulnerability. The Coastal Vulnerability Index (CVI) finally is grouped into the three vulnerability classes for the final coastal vulnerability map. Depending on this classification, approx. 35% of the coastline comes under high vulnerability, 39% under Medium and 26% under low vulnerability class. The coastline adjoining, Teisimouza, Barunei, Paradip, are the highly vulnerable zones whereas the shoreline between Jatardharmohan and Saharabedi comes under intermediate vulnerability zone. The results obtained can be used for prioritization of the most sensitive areas in this coastal belt for better strategic management