As the summer season draws to a close, the monsoon is expected to hit the coast within the next month. However, coastal residents are growing concerned as not even basic temporary measures have begun to address the recurring issue of sea erosion.
The government had earlier commissioned expert reports and proposed long-term solutions such as sea wave breakers or duck foot technology. But these efforts have stalled due to lack of funds. Temporary works, which are usually undertaken just before the rains, have not begun either. Once the rains start, such works are reduced to a symbolic effort with no real impact. As a result, every year, temporary repairs are taken up hastily and become an unnecessary burden on the exchequer.
Worst-hit erosion zones
Sea erosion is severe every year in many coastal parts of Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts. These include Someshwara, Meenakali, Chitrapura, Hosabettu, Sasihithlu in Dakshina Kannada, and Padubidri, Mooluru, Hemadi, Kota Padukere, Gujjarabettu, Badanidiyur, Malpe Padukere, Kanchagodu, Maravanthe, Navunda, Adragoli, Hosahithlu, Uppunda, Dombe Paduvari, and Alvegadde in Udupi district.
During the monsoon, both fishermen and local residents live in constant fear of the advancing waves. They worry that their homes, coconut trees, compound walls, or roads may be consumed by the sea. Residents have repeatedly urged the government to complete temporary measures before the monsoon begins. However, this appeal seems to have once again gone unheard by the administrations of both Udupi and Dakshina Kannada.
Only after sea erosion visibly worsens during the rainy season do officials and public representatives rush to visit the affected sites and recommend temporary relief. By then, half the monsoon is usually over. This cycle repeats every year. Victims have now urged fisheries and port department officials, elected representatives, and the administrations of both districts to initiate timely preventive work this year.
Rs 5 crore each sanctioned
The state government had sanctioned Rs 5 crore each to the three coastal districts, including Uttara Kannada, for sea erosion control. However, for Udupi district, only works worth Rs 4.5 crore were approved. Dakshina Kannada too received funds, but work has not commenced anywhere. With tenders finalised but work yet to start, there is worry that monsoon may begin before the projects take off.
Need for permanent solution
According to officials, proposals already submitted will be implemented based on availability of funds. Sometimes, local political pressure forces prioritisation of works in specific areas. A permanent, scientific solution to sea erosion is the need of the hour. The department has reportedly sought additional funds from the government to implement a scientific rock placement model.