Vijayawada: Stating that the erosion of coast along the Bay of Bengal has become a serious environment and ecological issue, deputy chief minister Pawan Kalyan told the assembly on Friday said the govt is taking all possible measures to protect the state’s coastline. He said the govt has already requested National Centre for Coastal Research (NCCR) to study the erosion pattern along the coast in the state and suggest remedies.
Pawan, who also holds the portfolios of forest, environment, and science & technology in the cabinet, said the NDA govt is taking the issue seriously, particularly in the wake of fishermen losing the catch. He promised the House to personally visit the affected areas along the coast in Srikakulam and Konaseema districts to assess the situation. “We have asked NCCR for a comprehensive report after making a field visit. A team comprising scientists from NCCR visited some villages in Srikakulam district and submitted a preliminary report. We have asked the NCCR to ready a DPR to tackle the issue,” he said.
He said NCCR suggested the erosion can be managed by increasing mangrove forest along the coast, and erecting boulders and concrete stones. The report also suggested there could be a hybrid solution by adopting both measures — taking up mangrove plantation in some stretches and go for concrete boulders in other affected areas.
