VMRDA, NCCR collaborate to tackle coastal erosion

The Andhra Pradesh government has joined forces with the National Centre for Coastal Research (NCCR) and the Visakhapatnam Metropolitan Region Development Authority (VMRDA) to combat coastal erosion between Fishing Harbour and Bheemili. The collaborative effort, estimated to cost Rs. 200 crore, aims to protect the coastline and prevent further damage.
The project’s initial phase involves constructing a 120-m-long and 20-30-m-wide protective structure behind Kurusura Museum. Built using cement, concrete, and steel, the structure will extend three meters into the sea, reducing wave intensity and allowing sand to accumulate naturally along the beach. This approach has proven successful in Puducherry.
NCCR-V Director MV Ramana Murthy emphasised the widespread problem of coastal erosion affecting numerous beaches across Andhra Pradesh. He noted, “The estimated cost for the State-wide coastal erosion prevention project is around Rs 200 crore, with VMRDA contributing its share.” Dr Ramanamoorthy also voiced optimism about the project’s success, stating, “Similar initiatives in Puducherry have shown promising results. We are confident that these measures will safeguard the coastline near the Kurusura Museum, where erosion has been especially severe.”
Kakani Nageswara Rao, a retired professor of Geoengineering at Andhra University, emphasised the natural cycles of erosion. “Beaches should be seen as part of the sea rather than the land. Problems arise when humans attempt to permanently occupy these areas.” Rao suggested implementing offshore breakwater structures, a proven solution used internationally. “The detached breakwater structures parallel to the shore have been highly effective in preventing wave action and coastal erosion.”
The government and its partners are hopeful that the efforts will safeguard Visakhapatnam’s valuable coastal assets for future generations. Additional erosion-prone areas along the coast will be identified, and detailed proposals will be submitted to the State Disaster Management Agency for funding and approval. With this multi-phased project, Visakhapatnam is taking significant steps towards protecting its coastline and mitigating the effects of coastal erosion.