The Dharma River, situated in the eastern Indian state of Odisha, is an important waterway that originates from the confluence of two significant rivers, the Brahmani and the Baitarani. This river holds ecological, economic, and cultural importance as it makes its way to drain into the Bay of Bengal. The area surrounding the river’s mouth, especially the Gahirmatha sanctuary, is a critical habitat for wildlife and is renowned for being a nesting ground for the olive ridley turtles. In a recent development, the Union Shipping Ministry has given the green light for a new infrastructure project aimed at enhancing the river’s connectivity and utility.
Formation and Course of Dharma River
The Dharma River is formed at the point where two of Odisha’s prominent rivers, the Brahmani and the Baitarani, merge. The river then traverses through the state, playing a pivotal role in the local ecosystem and the lives of the communities residing along its banks. As it flows towards the east, the Dharma River widens considerably, reaching a breadth of approximately 4 kilometers by the time it meets the Bay of Bengal. This wide mouth of the river is not only significant for the riverine ecosystem but also for the maritime activities that take place in this region.
Gahirmatha Sanctuary and Olive Ridley Turtles
In close proximity to the mouth of the Dharma River lies the Gahirmatha sanctuary, a protected area that serves as one of the world’s largest mass nesting sites for the endangered olive ridley turtles. These turtles travel thousands of miles across the ocean to arrive at the beaches near the Dharma River to lay their eggs. The sanctuary’s location near the river’s delta provides a suitable habitat for the turtles, with its warm sands and gentle slopes making it an ideal nesting ground. The conservation efforts here are crucial for the survival of this species, which faces threats from fishing nets and habitat loss.
ROPAX Jetty Project Approval
In an effort to boost regional development and improve transportation infrastructure, the Union Shipping Ministry has recently approved a significant project on the Dharma River—an all-weather Roll-on/Roll-off Passenger (ROPAX) jetty. This initiative is part of the broader Sagarmala programme, a national endeavor aimed at harnessing India’s coastline and inland waterways to drive port-led development. The ROPAX jetty is expected to facilitate easier and more efficient movement of both passengers and vehicles across the river, thereby enhancing connectivity between different parts of Odisha and neighboring regions.
Investment and Project Details
The proposed ROPAX jetty project on the Dharma River comes with an investment of Rs.110.60 crore. This substantial outlay reflects the importance of the project in terms of its potential impact on the local economy and the overall transportation network. The jetty is designed to operate under all weather conditions, ensuring that services can be maintained throughout the year without disruption. The project will include the construction of necessary infrastructure such as berths for the vessels, approach roads, and passenger terminals, all equipped with modern facilities to ensure safety and convenience for users.
Sagarmala Initiative and Regional Development
The Sagarmala initiative, under which the ROPAX jetty project is being undertaken, is a strategic and customer-oriented program of the Government of India. It aims to promote port-led direct and indirect development and to provide infrastructure to transport goods to and from ports quickly, efficiently, and cost-effectively. By investing in projects like the ROPAX jetty, the initiative seeks to reduce logistics costs for both domestic and export-import cargo. The development of such infrastructure is also poised to create new job opportunities, stimulate ancillary industries, and contribute to the socio-economic growth of the region. Through enhancements in coastal and maritime infrastructure, the Sagarmala initiative is set to play a transformative role in India’s journey towards becoming a global maritime power.
