Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru

Mangaluru, Jun 25: Over 110 small islets, locally known as Kudrus, dot the coastal districts of Dakshina Kannada, Udupi, and Uttara Kannada. Once fertile and expansive, many of these Kudrus are now shrinking rapidly due to climate change, sea erosion, illegal sand mining, and dam constructions, leading to an alarming 6–8% reduction in their landmass.

Formed between river mouths and backwaters, Kudrus were once as large as 50 to 100 acres each. These fertile lands supported extensive cultivation of paddy, sugarcane, vegetables, bananas, and coconuts. Many families depended on them for sustenance, producing jaggery from sugarcane and selling vegetables in nearby towns. However, this scenario has changed drastically over the past three decades.

Today, agricultural activity has significantly declined in most Kudrus. Many paddy fields have vanished, and overgrown shrubs have taken over former farmland. Coconut trees are the few remaining reminders of once-thriving cultivation, though in some Kudrus, even these activities have ceased entirely.

The impact of climate change over the last 20 years, combined with unchecked sea erosion and illegal sand extraction, has eroded much of the landmass. Some Kudrus that once spanned 100 acres have now shrunk to just 90–92 acres. Several coconut trees have already collapsed due to the erosion, while others stand precariously close to being swept away by river currents.

About 25% of these coastal Kudrus are inhabited. However, the residents suffer from a lack of electricity or solar lighting, proper boat facilities, and transportation infrastructure. Life becomes particularly difficult during the monsoon, forcing many families to migrate to urban areas in search of better living conditions.

In Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts, the lack of connectivity has deprived many Kudru residents of access to education. Reaching schools or workplaces becomes a challenge, prompting some families to permanently relocate.

“Due to climate change and increased sea erosion, some Kudrus have significantly reduced in size. However, there are also rare instances where sand deposits have expanded Kudru boundaries,” said Raghu D, zonal director of the Mangaluru CRZ (Coastal Regulation Zone).