Cyclone Vayu raises threat of sea erosion in Udyavara GP

UDUPI: Cyclone Vayu’s impact is being felt in the sea near Padukere, Udyavara gram panchayat since Tuesday night. High waves have flooded the road near the beach with water entering nearby houses and the authorities are preparing for the threat of sea erosion.
Zilla panchayat president Dinakar Babu visited the area and requested authorities to be alert and take appropriate action to minimise inconvenience to people. He said, “With Asian Development Bank (ADB) assistance, a permanent erosion protection wall is being constructed. The work is incomplete and we’ve told the tahsildar to take temporary measures and he has assured suitable action.”
He added that around 200 coconut trees were uprooted in this area and the horticulture department gave only Rs 30 as compensation for a tree. “The ZP will send a proposal to increase the amount from Rs 30 to Rs 100 and also urge the government to provide free pesticides. A meeting for this will be held soon.”
Udupi tashildar Pradeep said: “Erosion has been reported at the same place as last year. It’s just in the preliminary stage and the situation is under control. We’ve looking at six to eight sensitive locations.”
There are around 60 houses in the area and water is reaching them. The highest tides were reported on Saturday and Sunday. He added: “We’ve placed stones as a temporary measure. Work is under way on a large scale from Kaup to Hejamadi and Gangoli to Byndoor. About 90% of the work has been done and as per the plan."