Weather challenges: Mangaluru's coastal development project hits a snag

Mangaluru: With the onset of the rainy season, visits to the sea cutting sites have become limited for the people’s representatives. However, this year, the rainy season has been less intense, and the sea remains relatively shallow at present. As a result, ongoing work in these areas has come to a halt.

In the past, under the previous government, the coast experienced significant erosion due to severe sea conditions at Battappadi in Ullal. Despite extensive studies and discussions, plans to implement the Nellikunnu model of Kasaragod were abandoned. Both Assembly Speaker U.T. Khader, and Fisheries Minister Mankala Vaidya had suggested that finding a permanent solution was challenging.

In response to this, the port department had engaged contractors, allocating a total of Rs 1.6 crore. The assigned contractor was responsible for laying stones along the Ullala Seagrounds and Battapadi beach areas, completing roughly 50% of the project. However, upon anticipating further funds from the department, the contractor halted the work, citing past experiences.

This recurring pattern, spanning the last five years, has persisted into this year. The outstanding amount owed to the contractor has now accumulated to Rs 25.14 crore. In 2018-19, a significant portion of the Someshwar area faced severe sea erosion, necessitating the immediate placement of stones along a 2.3 km stretch. Unfortunately, this allocation remained pending without government approval, and subsequent amounts were added over the years.

This year, the pending balance amounts to Rs 75 lakhs for sections measuring 110 meters and 400 meters in Battapadi and Seaground, both affected by severe sea erosion. Additionally, Rs 85 lakhs were proposed for stone placement. Initially, the Minister of Fisheries and Ports proposed sourcing funds from the District Collector’s Natural Disaster Fund, considering the urgency. However, the District Collector conveyed to the government that a change in rules would be required before proceeding without explicit permission. Unfortunately, this recommendation has not been put into action.

“As a temporary measure, a proposal has been submitted to the government for anti-erosion efforts. The consideration and approval for offshore drilling, within the context of natural calamities, falls under the purview of the Centre’s guidelines. The approval for these initiatives is currently awaited,” said D.K. District Collector Mullai Mugilan.