Pics: Spoorthi Ullal

Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru

Mangaluru, May 19: Dakshina Kannada deputy commissioner (DC) Darshan H V said that Rs 100 crore each has been sanctioned for the three coastal districts to undertake permanent works aimed at preventing sea erosion.

Speaking to reporters here on Monday, he said, “We have prepared a coastal management project proposal after obtaining technical guidance from NITK and an agency from Chennai. The works will be implemented after receiving government approval.”

He said the possibility of sea erosion is higher from Tannirbhavi towards Battappady and Talapady, and that erosion of beach sand is adversely affecting tourism. “To prevent this, there is a plan to construct 100-metre-long shore line reefs along the coast,” he said.

“The proposed solutions before us include three models — constructing reefs of 80 to 100 metres in length parallel to the shore, directly towards the sea, or in a zigzag pattern. We will adopt a suitable method after studying the coastal depth and wave height,” he added.

The deputy commissioner further said that FIRs have been registered against those who encroached upon the riverbank near Sultan Battery. “We had directed those who dumped soil into the river to clear it within 15 days. As they failed to do so, the Mangaluru City Corporation will remove the soil and recover the expenses from those responsible,” he said.

Regarding the death of fish in the Phalguni river, he said notices had been issued to the corporation by the Pollution Control Board. “The possibility of sewage water leakage from the Pacchanady Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) is being examined. The capacity of this STP also needs to be enhanced,” he noted.

The DC also said that staff engaged in census duties had suffered injuries due to vehicle accidents, dog bites, and bee attacks. “We have requested the census director to provide compensation to them. Steps have also been taken to bear treatment expenses for some of the injured personnel,” he said.