Govt keen to encourage MSMEs: MP Sivanath

The recent and unusual retreat of the sea at RK Beach in Visakhapatnam has generated both curiosity and concern among local residents and scientists alike. This phenomenon, particularly evident in front of the Kali Mata temple, has exposed submerged rocks and created a unique sight for beachgoers. The rarity of this event has led to investigations into its causes, with experts considering a mix of human activities and natural factors as potential contributors.
Chief scientist VVSS Sharma from the National Institute of Oceanography is spearheading the inquiry into the sea’s withdrawal. After conducting several inspections, Sharma emphasised the importance of uncovering the underlying reasons for this strange occurrence.
“One possible factor contributing to the recession is ongoing human activity, especially dredging,” Sharma shared with The Pioneer. “Given the port’s proximity, excessive dredging is carried out to facilitate ship access to the ocean, leading to the creation of shallow zones that may be causing the sea to recede.”
While ocean recession is usually linked to coastal areas affected by earthquakes or tsunamis, Sharma clarified that no such events have taken place along the Visakhapatnam coast. Instead, it appears that localized factors like dredging are influencing the situation. “Ocean recession and advancement occur naturally twice a day due to tidal movements, but what we are witnessing here is quite unusual,” he noted. Sharma underscored the necessity of regularly monitoring sea conditions, suggesting at least six hours of daily observation to track changes in tides, wave heights, and coastal velocity. Local fishermen, well-acquainted with the sea’s behaviour, are baffled by the unexpected retreat. “This is something we haven’t encountered before,” remarked one fisherman. “It’s surprising since there haven’t been any tsunamis, hurricanes, or severe weather events to account for it.” Climate experts are also examining the situation closely, particularly after a report from the Centre for Study of Science, Technology and Policy (CSTEP) pointed out the long-term vulnerability of Visakhapatnam’s coastline to rising sea levels.
The report indicates that by 2040, as much as 1.02 per cent (6.96 sq. km) of the coastline could be underwater, with that figure potentially increasing to 4.76 per cent (32.44 sq. km) by 2100. The areas most at risk include the port, Tenneti Park, Rushikonda, and Mangamaripeta Beach. The report links rising sea levels to global warming,  which is fueled by the melting of polar ice caps and rising ocean temperatures. “The sea level has been steadily increasing, gaining 2.38 cm over the last 20 years at a rate of 0.181 cm per year,” the report stated.
Sharma also mentioned that other factors, such as the blockage of natural sand movement by Yarada Hill, are further changing the coastal dynamics. “The disruption of the natural sand flow is impacting the balance of the coastline,” he explained. This localized phenomenon underscores larger global issues like climate change. “Human-induced climate change, driven by fossil fuel combustion and greenhouse gas emissions, is causing rising ocean temperatures and expansion, which could be a long-term factor in these kinds of events,” Sharma concluded.