Steps on to protect coast from sea erosion: Khader

Erosion intensifies in Ucchila, Mogaveerapattana and Kotepura

Every monsoon brings nightmare to people living beside the sea from Ullal to Ucchila in Mangaluru. The huge, roaring waves not only wash houses, but also pose a threat to several others by eroding the coast.

The dumping of boulders and placing of sandbags to check sea erosion seems to have little impact on the roaring waves in Mogaveerapattana, Kotepura in Ullal.

The boulders dumped on several stretches last year have seemingly reduced its strength this year. Minister for Health & Family Welfare U T Khader, who represents the area, visited the affected areas, on Wednesday, and said an estimate will be prepared for protection of coast.

After getting approval from chief minister, the government will sanction required funds for all temporary solutions based on the estimate prepared by the authorities. 

The work to prevent sea erosion permanently has already commenced. The sea shore stretches have been handed over for work and it will be completed in three years.

The permanent sea erosion work under Sustainable Coastal Protection and Management Programme funded by Asian Development Bank, at an estimated cost of Rs 232 crore is being implemented in Ullal on a pilot basis. Four inshore berms, two artificial reefs, realignment of two breakwater is being taken up under the project, Khader said. 

Relief centres

The already dumped boulders in few places will be strengthened further. The State government is committed to solve the problems faced by residents. In case of necessity, relief centres will be opened. Officials have been asked to disburse compensation for loss of property. The intensity of sea erosion will be brought to the notice of Minister for Ports and Inland Water and chief minister. 

Meanwhile, gusty winds have intensified sea erosion this year, causing damages to houses in Uchila, Ullal, Mogaveerapattana, Kotepura, Kaiko and nearby areas.

Though boulders have been dumped to create sea wall on entire stretch, rough waves overpower it, feel residents.  “The sea became rough on Tuesday. Why is the minister visiting us now. The visit will not bring in any change in our fate?” said a woman from fishermen community. 

Many areas along the beach at Ullal and Uchila have been facing the wrath of sea for last few years and residents reiterated fears that if the sea becomes rougher, ‘stone walls’ could be consumed by the sea and waves would soon hit houses in Kaiko, Mukkachery and other areas. 

The situation is worse in Ucchila where boulders have been washed away.  In Ucchila, waves are lashing the houses.

“Last year, houses, shed and several coconut trees have been washed away. This year, with gusty wind, the intensity of sea erosion has increased. We are sacred of losing our houses,” said Yamuna and Vasantha. Aisabanu in Mogaveerapattana said “sea erosion has increased this year. We have small children in our house. Where to go in night when waves hit at the houses? We are helpless.”