Global warming may spell doom for Puri temple

30 Mar 2008, 0148 hrs IST,Debabrata Mohapatra,TNN

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PURI: Global warming may spell doom for some of the Orissa's heritage sites, including Puri's Jagannath temple and Konark Sun temple, according to a recent Greenpeace report.

The global environmental NGO's 'Blue Alert' report warned that the temperatures would rise by five degrees, if the current trend in global warming isn't checked.

This would trigger heavy tidal surge along the coastal stretches in Orissa and wash away its famous tourist destinations.

The Greenpeace campaigners were in Puri on Wednesday to mobilise people against the imminent doom. Greenpeace also roped in noted sand sculptor Sudarsan Pattnaik for the purpose.

"Global warming is a pernicious issue. It's sad that many people don't have the idea of the possible threat to the habitation if the current trend persists," Pattnaik said. He said the government should take the matter seriously so that rising temperatures can be brought down.

"Blue Alert said that about 50 million people in India's coastal pockets would be displaced due to global warming in the next 100 years," he said, adding," So sensitisation is the needed. Until the common man is sensitised, the problem won't go away. I will also spread awareness through my art."