Udupi: Sea Erosion - The Eternal Curse of Coastal Districts
Sheeja Moodubelle
Pics: Inchara-Udupi
Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi
Udupi Jul 7: The most common and persistent problem of the costal karavali districts of Karnataka is sea erosion. This year is no different. The government is in such an appalling condition that there are no funds to work out even temporary measures.
The district is facing structural erosion, for which every year the state government provides a limited fund to work on temporary solutions.
In order to select a proper scheme to protect a structurally eroding stretch of coast, it is necessary to understand the cause of the erosion problem. Principally, purely natural and man-induced causes are to be distinguished.
The monsoons reported 150 mm of rain at Udyavara-Padukere, Kaup near Paduthottam 100 mm of rain and Kundapura Kodi 100 mm rain is reported.
The continuing rains may cause a lot of damage in the district. The Udyavara-Padukere is a narrow peninsular land with the Udyavara stream on one side and the sea on the other side. Fishermen say that boulders to check sea erosion were being put in areas where erosion was not a major threat. But this is not considered as a satisfactory solution.
Erosion Control Measures:
Sea walls, which run parallel to the coast, are one of the most common responses to coastal erosion.
Groynes are structures that prevent erosion by limiting water flow and sediment movement. They're usually built perpendicular to the shore, and may or may not be submerged.
Offshore breakwaters are submerged structures that are parallel to the shore. They absorb wave energy and serve as artificial reefs for marine life. These are rock formations built to protect dunes. They are inexpensive and last up to five years.
A new technique known as living shorelines are coasts in which shellfish have been planted. The shells attract aquatic life, which prevents erosion naturally.
The authorities, instead of taking some of the above precautionary steps, wake up in the last moment when sea erosion becomes critical. The erosion of these coasts has resulted in the loss of beaches including 200 acres of coastal land and environment. Most importantly, erosion has destroyed the homes of poor traditional fishing families who live next to the sea.
Divakar Kundar, Udhyavara Zilla Panchayath Member said,‘This is just the beginning of monsoons and now, the sea water is crossing the roads and entering our gardens. Sometimes we get drenched by the waves while walking on the road.” What will be the consequence in future?
This year, Udupi has a ‘Natural Calamity Fund’ which would be used for setting up precautions against sea erosion. The estimated Rs. 2 crore is supposed to be released to the district. Udupi DC M T Reju said that the appeal for funds has been forwarded to the state government and is still awaiting sanction.
In the previous year, the district administration themselves spend Rs. 3.25 crore on temporary sea walls. But the payments of the leased contractors have not yet been settled.
Another major issue here is that a minister of environment and ports has not yet been appointed since the resignation of Krishna J Palemar, i.e., since the past 5 months.
The absence of a Minister in such an important place is well revealed here by the people. The Chief Minister himself handles 24 sections in the district without the concerned minister. The district population is looking forward to avail the best service provided to them.