Sea erosion intensifies in Udupi; Yermal Thenka most affected

Udupi, Jul 25: Sea erosion is one major problem faced by the people living on the coastal belt, during rainy season. The prolonged sea erosion problem went a notch higher on Wednesday and Thursday at Yermal area, with as many as five houses facing acute threat. A gruel centre has been opened for the residents of these houses at a school nearby.

Bada and Thenka villages of Yermal have been reeling under threat of sea erosion and on Wednesday 150 mts of the fisheries road here has been damaged.

In the entire district, Thenka Yermal is facing highest threat due to sea erosion. On Wednesday afternoon alone 10-12 coconut trees were uprooted by fierce waves.

Boulders are being dumped at the affected places, to contain sea erosion, across Udupi district.

According to sources, 50 to 60 loads of boulders have been dumped in Yermal Thenka-Bada areas. Notices have been issued by the administration to houses under threat requesting the residents to shift to safer places at the earliest. However, the local residents have opted to stay in their homes despite the difficulties.

Deputy Commissioner, Zilla Panchayat CEO and other officials have visited Thenka Yermal area to take stock of the situation.

Officials have been trying to convince the people living in affected areas to vacate the place and shift to safer places.

The situation is the same at Kadipatna, where the road connectivity has been disturbed. In Katpadi, 150 mts of land has been claimed by turbulent waves at Mattu village. The compound wall of a crematorium has been destroyed by the waves here.

Sea erosion has shown up in Kundapur taluk as well and at Maravanthe concrete road is facing threat. Thrasi, one of the major tourist destinations is exposed to sea erosion.