Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (SP)

Udupi, Oct 21: A portion of the breakwater (sea walkway) located to the north of fisheries port at Malpe has begun to collapse. The boulders are facing the risk of getting dislodged and being washed away into the depths of the sea. The site where the damage is happening is over an eight-foot area near the light tower. If the rocks supporting the wall slip away, the beacon light tower might get uprooted.

This 600-metre breakwater had been built about forty years ago. So far the breakwater had withstood vagaries of the climate but this time, its boulders are getting separated and drowning. This has given rise to worry in the minds of the fishermen. The region also has a sea walkway which is 500 metres long. The walkway was constructed three years ago.

Assistant director of fisheries department Shivakumar said that the executive engineer of ports and fisheries department has been informed about this development. He added that the officials will undertake spot inspection on Wednesday and take steps to undertake emergency operations to stall the collapse.