WRD seeks NDMA nod for coastal erosion mitigation tasks in weak stretches of T.N.

With coastal erosion posing a rising menace in a number of elements of Tamil Nadu, Water Resources Department has put ahead mission proposals to mitigate shoreline degradation in 5 weak districts.

The proposals are awaiting nod from National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and are more likely to take off subsequent yr.

The WRD has recognized Mayiladuthurai, Kanniyakumari, Tiruvallur, Chengalpattu and Chennai districts as weak scorching spots to implement mitigation measures on precedence.

Mayiladuthurai district is among the many worst-hit locations, with massive stretches of its shoreline experiencing erosion.

WRD officers stated the division had submitted 41 mission proposals price Rs. 755 crore to scale back the danger of shoreline degradation within the weak stretches. The tasks have been ready primarily based on the draft shoreline administration plan and shoreline modifications report from the National Centre for Coastal Research (NCCR).

41% in steady situation

Citing the report, the officers stated 41% of the 992 km of T.N. shoreline analysed was in steady situation and 39% was going through sea erosion danger. In Mayiladuthurai district, almost 71% of the shoreline was going through erosion.

Residents of fishing hamlets in Mayiladuthurai district voice issues about escalating dangers to their properties.

M. Sivasubramanian of Vanagiri in Sirgazhi taluk of the district, stated: “We have misplaced shoreline of a minimal of fifty metre, together with Naickerkuppam and Pudukuppam, prior to now decade.”

Many voluntary organisations have began palm seeds sowing marketing campaign alongside the shorelines and waterbodies to curb erosion. M. Rajavelu, chief coordinator of Green Needa, stated, “We have planted lakhs of palm seeds in Mayiladuthurai district since 2023. Palm seedlings have emerged as a protecting protect in some villages close to Velankanni throughout cyclones.”

The WRD has sought funds by means of State Disaster Management Authority underneath the fifteenth Finance Commission to implement a mixture of nature-based options. Officials stated moreover seashore nourishment, the division deliberate bio-plantation and different safety measures, together with coral reefs, coir buildings and oyster shell beds, to behave as a pure barrier and set up geo tubes.

Living shorelines is one other intervention proposed. The revised shoreline administration plan framework will quickly be submitted to the State authorities.

Noting that shoreline change assessments have been up to date periodically, M.V. Ramanamurthy, former Director, NCCR, stated balancing growth alongside the shoreline and addressing local weather change influence have been essential to mitigate erosion danger.

Effective options

He stated bioshields and sand nourishment can be efficient options to guard the shrinking shoreline. Living shoreline, a course of to stabilise shoreline utilizing pure techniques, was time-consuming, however could possibly be adopted primarily based on web site circumstances. Hard engineering options like groynes may be executed in locations with excessive inhabitants density. Shoreline confirmed restoration after three or 4 years.

Once the NDMA grants approval, the WRD would put together an in depth mission report and search Coastal Regulation Zone clearance.