Sea erosion control measures planned to be implemented in Ullal before monsoon
Mangaluru: The sea erosion control initiatives along Ullal's shoreline will be implemented in areas that face significant risks before the onset of the monsoon. Priority will be to construct sea walls in previously overlooked locations from earlier projects, especially near the dwellings of fishermen.
Speaker and Mangaluru MLA UT Khader said that earlier works were taken up only after damages were reported during the monsoon. However, an action plan will be prepared to ensure that all precautionary measures are in place before the monsoon.
"Various coastal protection measures have been implemented to combat sea erosion. Initially, boulders were positioned along the shoreline to counter the effects of turbulent waters. Within three years, these stones were submerged beneath the shore surface. Subsequently, a gabion box installation was undertaken for coastal protection, but its effectiveness proved short-lived. Despite recommendations from specialists advocating sandbags, geotextile, Switzerland technology, and alternative approaches, none of these interventions yielded lasting success," Khader said.
He said the intensity of the sea waves and problems on the Ullal coast are different from those of other parts of the world. Sea waves in Ullal are very rough, and hence, the methods to protect the coast should be adopted accordingly. Fishermen on the Ullal coast have proper knowledge of the issue, and solutions also need to be taken after discussing with the fishing community of the locality, he noted.
The state govt has already reserved Rs 200 crore to protect the coast from sea erosion. The govt has received a proposal amounting to Rs 70 crore for undertaking works in Someshwara, Battampady, and other locations within Ullal that have experienced significant destruction from coastal erosion. A report will be sought from the NITK while taking up the work, he said.
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