Kundapura: Sea erosion in Kanchugodu puts houses at risk

Team Udayavani, Oct 18, 2024, 10:21 AM IST

Kundapura: Due to the low-pressure system in the Arabian Sea, waves and winds have intensified in the last two days. The sea erosion in Kanchugodu in Hosaadu, and Sanyasibale in Gujjadi has become severe, putting 7 to 8 houses at risk.

Since the beginning of the monsoon season, Kanchugodu has experienced approximately 500 meters of sea erosion. On Thursday, the erosion worsened, with water entering three houses on Wednesday night. Houses of locals like Nagaraj Kharvi, Bikka Kharvi, Chandu Kharvi, Sanjeev Kharvi, Nagesh Kharvi, and Mohan Kharvi are just 20-30 meters from the shore, leaving them in a state of fear and uncertainty.

The waves have been hitting the boats docked on the shore, causing some fishing nets to get buried in the sand. Securing the boats safely has become a major challenge.

No protective wall

Residents of Kanchugodu have been demanding the construction of a sea wall to prevent erosion for several years, but there has been no positive response from authorities. Local people recall that two years ago, a few rocks were placed to curb the erosion, but now even those have been swept away by the sea.

“We have been in distress since Wednesday night. We informed elected representatives, officials, and politicians throughout the night and into Thursday morning, but no one came to address our concerns. We are afraid that if the erosion continues at this rate, we don’t know what will happen,” lamented the locals.

Along with the low-pressure system in the Bay of Bengal, a smaller cyclonic circulation has reportedly formed in the Arabian Sea since Wednesday. Its impact is being felt from Kerala to the Karnataka coast, Goa, and Ratnagiri, with the possibility of worsening in the next two days.

Boats return to shore

Some fishing boats that ventured out to sea were forced to return halfway due to the strong waves and winds. Most boats from Maravanthe, Gangolli, Uppunda, Navunda, and Shirur have anchored at nearby ports after being unable to dock at their home harbors.

Permanent Solution Demanded

“We have submitted a proposal to the government for a permanent solution to the sea erosion under the CarlLand project, which includes the construction of a sea wall. However, the government has cited a lack of funds. In such an emergency, we urge the government to act promptly and meet the demand before a disaster occurs,” stated Gururaj Gantihole, the MLA of Byndoor.