Daijiworld Media Network – Mangalore (RD/AF)

Mangalore, Mar 28: Not all the nature's furies, including sea erosion have concrete solutions. Coastal Management Zone (CMZ) should be set up in order to curb sea erosion effectively besides putting a check on man-made embankments, opined renowned geologists. 

The geologists expressed their concern during a workshop on ‘Efficient Remedial Measures on Sea Erosion’ which was held at University College, organized by Mangalore University oceanography and geology department, on Wednesday March 26.

V K K Kalluraya, deputy director of Indian geology department, in his inaugural address, said that oceans are the one among the nature’s bounties to mankind which have been exploited to great extents, thereby threatening the survival of humans. 

The contraction of techno plates under the sea are not the chief cause for the prevailing sea erosion. Sea erosion is not restricted only to India but is a global phenomenon. The erecting of barrier walls all along the seashore across the coastal area of the state would serve as temporary solution while it would in no way provide any relief in the long run.

However, curb on setting up new factories and housing colonies within few kilometers from the seashore would greatly contribute for avoiding Tsunami-like nature’s outbursts. Hence, the utmost concern should be to relocate the housing colonies that are lying close to sea, Kalluraya added. 

Coastal Management Zone:

Prof Dettatri, retired professor of National Institute of Technology – Karnataka (NIT-K), Suratkal said that 70 percent of housing colonies all over the world are located along the coast, which has become playground for humans to erect skyscrapers. Sea erosion can be effectively controlled if people stop exploiting the ocean resources which implies the urgency to implement the CMZ at the earliest. 

K M Kaverappa, vice-chancellor of Mangalore University, in his presidential address, stressed the need for universities to respond to local issues. There is a need to replace the enactment of existing Coastal Regulatory Zone with CMZ, which would put a cap on new structures from coming up and also relocate the housing colonies 100 meters away from the coastal line. The suggestions of people’s representatives and locals should be considered by department officials when executing works on curbing sea erosion, he urged.  

Dr C Krishnayya, head of department of oceanography, Mangalore University welcomed the gathering.  Dr K S Rayappa, convener of programme compered the programme.  Dr H Gangadhar Bhat proposed the vote of thanks.