Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru (MS)
Mangaluru, Mar 28: It seems that the Ullal sea beach is going to suffer more damage due to sea erosion this year too. The concerned officials have given priority to dump rocks for their self benefit rather than implement sea wave breaker, which costs less.
Last monsoon, chief minister Basavaraj Bommai assured the residents of Ullal that they will form new technology of sea wave breaker to prevent sea erosion. In another two months, monsoon is going to lash the coastal region. In few days time election code of conduct will be in place and no new project can be taken up. Hence, the residents are saying that it is difficult to even save the remaining land area at Battappady beach, leave alone developing the same.
Ullal sea (file photo)
In the beginning, it was estimated that Rs 24 crore would be required to put sea wave breaker for one km area. But the officials suspected the effectiveness of the same. Karnataka Engineering Research Centre (KERS) of Mandya was asked to conduct simulation study. The government thought of going ahead with construction of sea wave breaker for a length of 200 meter as the study results will be delayed. At the last moment, the officials estimated that the cost would Rs 12 crore for just 200 meters of sea wave breaker. In addition, according to the information available, the officials have decided to go ahead with old method of dumping rocks.
It is also learnt that ports minister S Angara himself has objected the move of the officials and written letter to CM to implement the sea wave breaker technology.
It is possible for some officials to get a hefty commission if rocks will be put on sea beach. However, in sea wave breaker no rock is required. A concrete box of 50 feet is prepared and mud and sand is filled inside it. As this process is simple, chances of getting commission by the concerned officials is less.
A complaint is filed with Lokayukta against officials of ports department and senior officials of KERS for opting old method, when a low cost new technology is available. It is notable that the complainant is none other than Y K Yusuf, in-charge of sea wave breaker project. There is a possibility that the Lokayukta will register an FIR and investigate the matter.
S Angara, ports minister said, “I am aware that the concerned officials prepared proposal of high cost. I will convey the matter to CM. We feel that sea wave breaker technology is more suited for Battappady beach.”
Ravikumar M R, deputy commissioner of Dakshina Kannada said, “It is true that a proposal is sent to the government to prevent sea erosion at Ullal with new technology. No more information is available.”