A study commissioned by Karnataka’s Environment Department reveals alarming coastal erosion, with affected stretches increasing from 43.7 km in 1990 to 91.6 km in 2024, exposing 28% of the state’s 328.55-km coastline to high erosion.

Key Findings

  • District-wise Impact:
    • Uttara Kannada: 39% of the state’s erosion despite extensive rocky shores.
    • Udupi: 38% of the coastline continues to erode despite 43% being protected by seawalls.
    • Dakshina Kannada: Critical erosion observed, including stretches like Uchil and Batapady, with the highest percentage (39%) of eroding areas.
  • Environmental Consequences:
    • Loss of scrublands, estuarine habitats, mangroves, mudflats, and fish landing zones.
    • Accelerated by coastal infrastructure and sediment barriers.

Proposed Solutions

  • Nature-Based Approaches:
    • Beach nourishment: Replenishing sand to maintain beach width.
    • Mangrove afforestation: Enhances fisheries and binds soil.
    • Bioshields: Planting grasses and rehabilitating sand dunes.
  • K-SHORE Project:
    • Rs 840 crore initiative focusing on plastic pollution and erosion control.
    • Rs 340 crore allocated for nature-based solutions to boost the blue economy.

Conclusion

The report highlights the importance of sustainable, long-term strategies to combat erosion while balancing environmental conservation and coastal development.

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