: Residents of Tandahar village under Sisua Gram Panchayat in Astaranga block of Puri district have launched a large-scale community drive to restore coastal sand dunes and curb sea erosion that has been steadily damaging farmland and homes along the Bay of Bengal.

The initiative centres on planting Spinifex grass — a hardy coastal species that binds sand and helps form dunes that act as natural barriers against waves and wind. The project aims to restore nearly five kilometres of eroded coastline, protecting farmland and homes that have faced years of sea intrusion.

The movement is led by Bichitrananda Biswal, recipient of the Biju Patnaik Wildlife Conservation Award, with support from environmental groups ‘Gilehrio’ and ‘Sabuja Sakha Astaranga’.

The launch brought together women’s sel

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