Inspection of Coastal Erosion at Tiruchendur
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Synopsis
A nine-member NCCR team inspected the Tiruchendur coastline in Tamil Nadu to evaluate soil erosion's impact on the region, especially concerning the Subramaniya Swamy Temple. Environmentalists attribute part of the erosion to coal handling at a nearby jetty, prompting calls for action to protect the coastline.
Key Takeaways
- NCCR team investigates coastal erosion
- Significant damage near Subramaniya Swamy Temple
- Human activities, like coal handling, linked to erosion
- Government seeks long-term solutions
- Local leaders assure community support
Chennai, Jan 22 (NationPress) A team comprising nine members from the National Centre for Coastal Research (NCCR) carried out an inspection along the Tiruchendur coastline in Tamil Nadu's Thoothukudi district to evaluate the extent of soil erosion.
This visit follows a prior assessment conducted by IIT Madras experts on Tuesday. Reports suggest that coastal erosion has adversely affected roughly 50 feet in length and 9 feet in depth of the beach area. This erosion raises concerns regarding its implications for the renowned Subramaniya Swamy Temple and the safety of its devotees.
Social and environmental activists have linked some of the erosion to human activities, particularly the handling of coal at the offshore jetty associated with the Udangudi thermal power plant.
V. Gunaselan, Coordinator of the District Environment Protection Movement, has petitioned the government to cease coal-handling operations at the jetty, asserting that it has worsened erosion. He indicated that the construction of the offshore jetty off Kallamozhi Beach, which was authorized by the state government, has contributed to this issue.
Gunaselan also condemned the building of groynes and bait arches at Amali Nagar Beach, claiming these actions contravene orders from the National Green Tribunal (NGT) and have negatively influenced the coastline near the Tiruchendur Murugan Temple. He warned that additional construction in the temple vicinity could further exacerbate erosion along the northern coast.
The beach adjacent to the Subramaniya Swamy Temple has undergone significant erosion due to tumultuous seas and intense tidal waves. As a precaution, authorities have prohibited devotees from bathing in the impacted area.
The government, in partnership with experts, is actively seeking methods to safeguard the coastline and maintain the cultural and environmental integrity of the region. Recently, Thoothukudi MP Kanimozhi, along with Fisheries Minister Anitha R. Radhakrishnan and Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Minister P.K. Sekarbabu, visited the site.
Kanimozhi engaged with local residents and assured them that the Chief Minister is diligently pursuing long-term strategies to avert additional shoreline damage. In a media statement, Kanimozhi emphasized that climate change-related coastal erosion is significantly impacting the seaside area of the Subramaniya Swamy Temple, obstructing devotees’ access to the shore.
“Experts from IIT and other institutions are working to pinpoint a permanent solution. After consultations, a proposal will be presented to the Chief Minister for sanction and funding,” she stated.
She recognized the challenges in establishing permanent solutions across all affected regions but stressed the state government's dedication to protecting the most susceptible areas. She also mentioned that renovations are underway at the temple, with a consecration ceremony scheduled soon, and efforts are being made to address the erosion prior to the event.
