The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has approved the Rs 222 crore coastal erosion mitigation project. The coastal erosion project was proposed by the Visakhapatnam Metropolitan Region Developmental Authority (VMRDA). This project aims to provide a projection of the 30-kilometre stretch of coastline in Visakhapatnam. The majority of the funding, 90%, will be from the centre, and the remaining 10% will be from the State government. The project was taken forward after getting approval from the state disaster management authority, based on VMRDA’s detailed report.
This coastal project will be a breakthrough for Visakhapatnam and the ongoing battle with coastal erosion. Rushikonda and RK Beach have repeatedly suffered damage during cyclones or heavy rains, where tides wash away the embankments. The Visakhapatnam Port Trust has conducted annual beach nourishment at RK Beach, but this marks the first formal project to be approved and receive funding.
According to the National Centre for Coastal Research (NCCR), a few meters of the coastline have disappeared between 1990 and 2018. Recent reports indicate that coastal erosion in Visakhapatnam is at 16%, while new dunes have formed in 41.6% of the area. The 974-km coastline of Andhra Pradesh has 290 km that is affected by erosion. If this situation is left unaddressed, the beaches are at risk of disappearing.
To shield the beaches in Visakhapatnam, the Rs 222 crore funding will be utilised. Construction work worth Rs 180 crore and non-construction work worth Rs 40 crore will be undertaken. Shelter belts will be established along with coastal protection walls, retention walls, and groynes.
Bheemili Beach Road, Thota Veedi, and RK Beach Road will have retention walls built, along with groynes to be constructed at Gokul Park and other places. Additionally, measures will be taken at Chela Uppada and Rushikonda to prevent erosion.
MP Sribharat appreciated the funding, stating that coastal erosion is harmful to the local community, especially the fishermen. He also expressed that the study will provide scientific protection for coastal areas and safeguard vulnerable communities from natural disasters.
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