Daijiworld Media Network - Bangalore (SP)

Bangalore, Jun 19: It is learnt, the state government has given its in-principle approval for the construction of 1.5 km long permanent protective wall near Ullal to regulate sea erosion, at a total cost of Rs 210 crore. The project is expected to come up in tune with the report of a team of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) technicians, who have conducted a study and submitted a report. The central government has asked the state to take up the project with the ADB financial assistance.

The sea erosion at Ullal has always been a cause of worry for the local and the government. Various measures undertaken in the past have failed to stop the advancing sea. Under instructions from the union government, the ADB team had conducted a detailed study about the sea erosion at Ullal and had submitted its report to the office of the director in the department of ports at Karwar recently.

The report contains full details like the latest technology to be used, design of the wall, how to go about the construction, lay out plan, expenditure involved etc. In accordance with the report, the central government has asked the state government to build the protective wall by availing long-term, low-interest finance from the ADB. 70% of the cost will come from the ADB while 20% has to be met by the state government, while the balance 10% has to be made up with private participation. Out of Rs 210 crore projected, Rs 140 crore is towards the actual construction cost of the wall and 50% of it i.e. Rs 70 crore has been earmarked for the setting up of office and its basic amenities, transportation, meetings etc.

The department sources opine that the construction might begin in April next year, after the proposal passes through the technical committee, finance department, cabinet and union government.