Opportunity
The 200 miles (320 kilometers) of the Karnataka coastal zone is a key part of India's economy, supporting agricultural and horticultural activities, fishing, aquaculture, harbor development, tourism, and transport.
Coastal erosion and flooding are seasonal phenomena in India, but in certain areas human activity exacerbates them. The Sustainable Coastal Investment Programme aims to evaluate the impacts and propose sustainable methods for managing these.
Solution
We are advising the Government of Karnataka during the construction of four inshore berms and two offshore reefs, as well as the rehabilitation of two rock breakwaters at Ullal, Mangalore.
Our role is to help deliver sustainable and environmentally friendly solutions that will replace the ad hoc dumping of rocks and construction of rock walls along the coast, which was accepted practice for decades.
Karnataka government has created a Coastal Infrastructure Management Unit within the Karnataka Public Works, Ports and Inland Water Transport Department, which will monitor the coast and provide sustainable solutions to protect and manage coastal assets. Stakeholders will interact via community-based shoreline management organizations.
Outcome
Approximately 1.6 million people will benefit from the program. Coastal protection will improve incomes and reduce poverty in coastal communities in Karnataka. It will also have a positive effect on the overall economic development of the coastal area.
We are working with local stakeholders to support and ensure the sustainability of the anti-erosion works.