Expedite CRZ approval for sea erosion prevention works: Min Mankala Vaidya directs DK district officials

Mangaluru: Fisheries and Ports Minister Mankala Vaidya expressed his concern over the delay in obtaining Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) approval for crucial works for mitigating sea erosion.

In a meeting held at the Dakshina Kannada District Deputy Commissioner’s office on Friday, Vaidya directed the district officials to expedite the process of CRZ approval for the urgent works in the coastal belt so that the Rs  5 crores approved under the State Disaster Relief Fund for the year 2022-23 are utilised for preventing erosion at Surathkal Lighthouse, Uchila Battappadi, and Meenakalia.

Minister Vaidya also called for immediate action to alleviate the plight of poor communities residing along the seashore, whose houses and roads have been destroyed due to sea erosion.

The minister also directed the officials to provide amenities fishermen’s community, including providing a place for weaving the fishing nets and providing handwash stations for fisherwomen.

In response to the concerns raised, District Deputy Commissioner Ravikumar M.R. requested permission to utilize the available Rs 56 lakh from the disaster fund to urgently tackle the issue of sea erosion at Battappadi, Uchchila, and Ullal Seagrounds. The minister acknowledged the request and instructed the DC to submit the proposal for approval.

The meeting was attended by various officials, including Zilla Panchayat CEO Dr. Kumara, Port Department Chief Engineer Taranath Rathore, and Port Officer Capt. C Swamy.