Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru
Mangaluru, Aug 19: After relying for years on temporary measures such as stone bunds and sandbags to curb coastal erosion, the Karnataka government is preparing to implement a comprehensive and environmentally sustainable coastal protection project along the Dakshina Kannada coast. Around 15 years ago, permanent coastal protection works were undertaken in select areas at a cost of nearly Rs 800 crore with assistance from the Asian Development Bank (ADB). The government is now planning a new long-term shoreline management initiative.
The Karnataka Water Transport Board is implementing the Shoreline Management Plan (SMP) under the theme, ‘Our Coast, Our Lifeline: Protecting the Coast, Safeguarding Livelihoods’, covering a 37.34-km stretch of coastline in Dakshina Kannada district.
In accordance with the directions of the National Green Tribunal (NGT) and the CRZ-2019 regulations, the National Centre for Sustainable Coastal Management (NCSCM), Chennai, conducted a comprehensive scientific study on coastal protection and submitted its report to the Karnataka State Coastal Zone Management Authority.
The Karnataka Water Transport Board has been entrusted with preparing the Detailed Project Report (DPR) based on the recommendations made in the Shoreline Management Plan. The final project cost and the nature of the works will be determined after the DPR is completed.
The proposed project is expected to cost around Rs 250 crore. Under the plan, environmentally friendly measures such as artificial reefs and green coastal buffers will be adopted in locations including Panambur, instead of conventional stone revetments. The objective is to preserve the natural beauty of the coastline while protecting the interests of the fishing community.
Before preparing the DPR, a detailed scientific assessment was carried out to study factors contributing to coastal erosion, including wave intensity, wind patterns, cyclones, tidal surges, man-made structures, sand mining, river dams, and urbanisation.
Unlike temporary erosion-control measures, the project aims to adopt solutions that work in harmony with natural coastal processes, maintain environmental, economic, and social balance, reduce long-term risks and costs, and provide a safer coastline for future generations.
According to the SMP-2024, 12 locations in Dakshina Kannada district have been identified on a priority basis for coastal protection works. These include beaches at Battapady, Uchila, Someshwara, Red Rock, Mulki, Haleangady, Sasihithlu Ullal, Panambur, Hosabettu, Surathkal, and Surathkal Lighthouse area.
Assistant engineer of the ports department, Manohar Acharya, said the Shoreline Management Plan would be implemented to address coastal erosion in the district. He stated that the NCSCM has already submitted its report, and a public consultation has been held at Ullal. Similar meetings will be conducted at Surathkal and Mulki before the DPR is prepared and the project's estimated cost is finalised.