Construction of sea wall in Kakinada remains in papers

Non-allocation of funds stalls sea wall construction for a distance of 1,200 meters at a cost of Rs 12 crore proposed way back in 2007

Kakinada: The construction of geo tube sea wall to avert sea erosion along the sea coast in Kakinada suburbs is getting delayed due to non-allocation of funds. The sea wall construction was planned and taken up in a phased manner after intense survey conducted by Central Water Power Research Station (CWPRS) Pune in association with IIT Chennai.

The authorities took a decision to this extent after more than 600 acres of land was eroded in the last six decades. This includes two temples and a private guest house in addition to the houses of fisher folk. Studies for several years revealed that the presence of Hope Island about 12 kilometers from Kakinada coast and the restrictions of tidal waves because of the obstructions by the presence of this island.

The island which was formed more than 150 years ago with sand from backwaters of Godavari river due to release of flood and excess waters into sea from Dowlaiswaram barrage.

The authorities planned and executed the sea wall construction for a distance of 1,200 meters at a cost of Rs 12 crore in 2007. After preliminary tests it was found that the sea wall in the geo tube mode withstood the erosion and fresh attempts are being made to get funds for the area of 4.5 kilometers in the vicinity of Uppada-Konapapapeta along Kakinada-Uppada–Addaripeta area at a cost of Rs 325 crore. Several fishing villages are located en route and there sections have lost their houses due to sea erosion during the last six decades.

When contacted, East Godavari Roads and Buildings Superintending Engineer CSN Murty said out of the total estimated cost, they are hoping to get funds up to Rs 135 crore from the State and the rest of the amount in the form of fund allocation from Asian Development Bank. “We will take up the works in the first phase as soon as the funds are released,” he said.