Govt reconstitutes task force to study coastal erosion

It will be chaired by M Baba,former senior scientist of Centre for Earth Science(CES) studies,Trivandrum.

As per the terms of reference fixed by the state government,the newly constituted task force will prepare the short-term and long-term master plans for the prevention of coastal erosion in the state. It will identify vulnerable sites and suggest plans for protection of these sites. It will prepare site specific construction designs and take other necessary actions. The task force will prepare various guidelines and manuals for prevention of coastal erosion in state.

The 310-km coastline of south Gujarat,covering four districts of Surat,Navsari,Valsad and Vapi,is the most vulnerable and has been experiencing extensive erosion for the last 10 years,as it receives direct wave attacks from the Arabian Sea during the south-west monsoon.

The coastal belt of this area is formed of clay sand,or silty sand,which is not tolerant to waves and heavy tidal currents. A significantly high tidal range with 8 to 9 metre characterises tidal and wave actions in Gujarat,which brings difficulties in coastal protection. The Irrigation Department has constructed erosion protection works,such as gabion sea walls,in consultation with Central Water and power research station,Pune but some of completed structures have been damaged. Around 120 out of the 200 km of coastline is vulnerable,but only 28 km has completed protection works. Protection works for an additional 19 km have been reportedly proposed.

A senior government official said,“The efforts are made by the state government to restrict further ingress of sea but these are not enough and requires huge amount of funds and financial assistance to have sustainable and permanent solution against the erosion. People of coastal area are demanding protection at the earliest.”