Yahya Hallare
Daijiworld Media Network - Bhatkal
Bhatkal, Jun 20: About 40 farms and residential compounds were inundated after massive waves from the Arabian sea lashed Honnegedde, Herekeri, and Jalikodi in Heble panchayat here. Vast plantations and trees have been destroyed and the damage is estimated to be worth several lacs of rupees.
The barrier made of stones, separating these places from the sea and beach, was washed away by the huge waves.
Speaking to media persons, the locals said that they faced this problem every year and MLAs, ministers, and officers also visit the spot, but have not brought forth any solution so far.
Heble panchayat vice-president Narayan D Moger said, “We have a temporary water canal to dislodge the water; it is not a permanent solution. Even our MP is not paying attention.”
MP advocates use of geotextile structure for sea erosion embankments
Member of parliament ((MP) representing Uttara Kannada Lok Sabha constituency, Ananth Kumar Hegde, said that the government is seriously considering the use of geotextile structure, essentially manufactured by using synthetic fibre, for successfully blocking the advancing sea during the times of sea erosion.
Hegde was replying the queries raised by the media persons during his visit to the sea erosion-affected areas within Mavinakurve gram panchayat in Bhatkal taluk on Thursday June 19. 'The boulders presently being dumped at the sea line are smaller than what are required, and they get washed into the sea due to the force of waves,' he observed.
The MP took the officials of the ports department to task for not taking care in the execution of works relating the sea erosion seriously. 'I will not be a mute spectator to your lethargy any more. The work relating to the construction of protective wall should begin from tomorrow. I will ensure that amount required for these works are released by the government. The local revenue officials should inspect the progress of works,' he directed.
The MP stressed the need to scientifically develop the beaches and promised to lay emphasis on this aspect in the coming days.
Hegde was accompanied during this visit by former minister, Shivanand Naik, Govind Naik, taluk panchayat vice president, Madhukar Subbumane, zilla panchayat member, Savita Gonda, and a number of others.