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Panic among industrialists in Nellore
Panic among industrialists in Nellore, ‘Hudhud’ which pounded the north coastal districts is a grim reminder of post-monsoon cyclones which hit the east coast in the past.
- 125-km coastline is more vulnerable to cyclones
- Cyclone ravage causes scare among industrialists
- Reliance Power project abandoned halfway through construction
- Government’s plans to turn coastline into tourism hub may remain a pipe dream
Nellore: ‘Hudhud’ which pounded the north coastal districts is a grim reminder of post-monsoon cyclones which hit the east coast in the past. It is estimated that about 44 per cent of the State’s total territory is vulnerable to tropical storms and related hazards. The coastal belt is likely to be the most vulnerable region in the country.
Along the coastline, the Nizampatnam-Machilipatnam area is most prone to storm surges. The delta areas of the Godavari and the Krishna face flood and drainage problems; more so in the aftermath of cyclones. According to one estimate, almost nine million people are vulnerable to cyclones and their effects in coastal districts. Of them 3.3 million belong to communities located within five km of the seashore. The 1,025-km coastline is no doubt an asset for the 13 AP districts, but it has also proved to be a liability, considering the cyclones the region encounters each year.
The coastline in Nellore district is spread over 125 km. Mambattu in Tada mandal on the coast forms part of Sri City in Chittoor. The Pulicat Bird Sanctuary, Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) centre, some small-scale industries, steel manufacturing units at Chillakuru, prawn processing units are located along the coastline. Except ISRO, none of the industrial units has a solid foundation. Several industries have sprung up in the vicinity of Krishanpatnam port, including over 21 oil refineries and allied plastic manufacturing units. To top it all, Damodaram Sanjeevaiah Ultra Mega Thermal Power, Simhapuri and Krishnapatnam Thermal Power projects have been established. What would happen to these projects even if a cyclone of half intensity of Hudhud pummels the coast is anybody’s guess.
Foundations, however strong, may not withstand in the event of calamities, like cyclones and earthquakes, according to several surveys conducted by well-known international organisations.
The Reliance Power project near the Krishnapatnam port in Nellore district was abandoned halfway through construction as engineers found marine sand even after digging 75 metres, which may not be a good sign for laying foundation on which a boiler will be built. If it has to be filled with layers, the cost will go up significantly.
Hudhud left a trail of destruction along the coast in Visakhapatnam district. A 20-metre wide bund was washed away, power lines crumbled and the fish land bhavan near the lighthouse collapsed. The cyclone triggered panic not only among the people in Nellore district, but also prospective entrepreneurs. The government’s plans to develop the coastal belt as a tourist centre may remain a pipe dream.
