High Seas Wash Away Indian Lighthouse
By Sue Clark on Aug 5, 2007 in Threatened 
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Waves crashing against the shore are nothing unusual for the Indian resorts of Puri and Gopalpur, in Orissa, India, but “the sea has been behaving in an unnatural manner with high waves lashing against the coast and damaging structures. It seems the sea is inching inside,” said Jagannath Bastia, an environmental activist, according to a story in the Zee News. The photo of the lighthouse was taken on July 25, 2007, just days before the waves washed away nearly 547 yards of a newly-constructed road on the outskirts of Puri, several walls of hotels and the lighthouse.
There have been reports about the Bay of Bengal eroding the coast in the Satbhaya area of Kendrapara district and swallowing up at least five of the seven coastal villages in a cluster over the last few years. The lighthouse and hotels that were tumbled by the waves had as recently as a few months ago a new guard wall put up.
Gopalpur Lighthouse came into existence in 1871 to assist coastal shipping between Rangoon and Coromandal. The steamer service to Rangoon also touched Gopalpur. The first beacon was a wick lamp with sixth order optic hoisted from the top of steel mast. In 1892 fourth order lens was installed. The same mast was also used for flying storm warnings. A steel trestle frame was raised in 1925 by the side of mast and the DA gas light was installed on it. A masonry room was built near the trestle to store the gas cylinders.
Due to heavy erosion during early 1943, the Cylinder Room and Trestle Tower were heavily damaged and the light was discontinued. It remained shut down due to World War II.
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2 Comment(s)
By Emma on Aug 6, 2007 | Reply
I’ve always been fascinated with light houses. Your article makes me feel like I’m there. Thanks, Emma
By Sue Clark on Aug 6, 2007 | Reply
What a nice thing to hear. Thank you Emma.