Coastal erosion reduces Sriharikota island area by 0.68 sq km

The Story in Brief

The northern part of Sriharikota Island, which hosts the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, lost about 0.68 sq km of beach area to coastal erosion between 1965 and 2018, the Ministry of Earth Sciences told the Lok Sabha. Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology and Earth Sciences Jitendra Singh provided the information in response to a parliamentary question.

The National Centre for Coastal Research carried out the assessment using satellite-based shoreline analysis, field investigations and numerical modelling, and found ongoing erosion over the past two decades. NCCR recommended shoreline protection measures including longitudinal and transitional groynes and prepared a Detailed Project Report for the space centre. The ministry said the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, under the Department of Space, has obtained clearances under the Coastal Regulation Zone framework and from the National Board for Wildlife for construction of the protection structures. The assessment and measures are intended to address shoreline changes and protect the area around the space centre.

The Indian Opinion

The source is factual and sticks to official findings and recommendations without dramatic language. It cites the Ministry and NCCR methods and outcomes, but leaves several practical questions open. An ordinary reader would reasonably want more on the timetable for works, estimated costs, and how groynes might affect neighbouring shorelines and ecosystems. The article also does not state how the efficacy of the proposed structures will be monitored. Given those gaps, further reporting on implementation, environmental assessment and long-term monitoring would help clarify the likely effectiveness of the proposed protections.

Original article: Sriharikota loses 0.68 sq km to coastal erosion (www.newindianexpress.com)

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