₹323 Crore Seawall Proposed to Tackle Uppada Coast Erosion

Speedy Summary

• National Center for Coastal Research (NCCR) experts from Chennai have proposed constructing a seawall along the Uppada coast in Kakinada district, Andhra Pradesh, to counter erosion at an estimated cost of ₹323 crore.
• Technical surveys were initiated by NCCR following a request from Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister K. Pawan Kalyan due to rising displacement of coastal communities and damage to infrastructure like the Kakinada-Uppada road.
• Erosion has been exacerbated since 2010 when geo-tube protections failed under giant waves, impacting fisherfolk settlements in Nemam, Ameenabad, Subbampeta, Komaragiri.
• Uppada has lost 1,360 acres of land due to erosion as 2020. Between 2017-18 alone it experienced a loss of up to 26.3 meters of land in some areas.
• The proposal will be discussed on July 30 by the National Disaster Management Authority under chairmanship of Home Ministry Secretary govind Mohan.
• A previous recommendation by CWPRS-Pune suggested installing a five-km-long seawall using geomaterial at an estimated cost of ₹176 crore.

indian Opinion Analysis

Erosion along coastal regions is not merely an environmental issue but also impacts livelihoods and regional advancement substantially.The proposed ₹323-crore seawall represents immediate intervention aimed at securing vulnerable communities and preserving critical infrastructure like roads leading to economic zones. However, its effectiveness depends on robust implementation since prior solutions such as geo-tubes faltered against natureS forces.

the urgency behind addressing this issue is underscored by data-losses totaling over a thousand acres have serious social and economic implications for fisherfolk whose homes face continuous displacement. Coordination between agencies like NCCR and NDMA must ensure technically sound solutions while adhering to long-term sustainability principles.Moreover, considering CWPRS’ lower-cost choice proposal earlier (₹176 crore), discussions must factor both financial prudence and technological reliability before finalizing plans that could be pivotal for shaping coastal resilience across India.

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