Mangaluru: Environment expert Dodda Ashwath Narayanaswamy has issued a stark warning about the imminent erosion threat facing the Ullal coast if preventive measures are not taken. Speaking at the ‘Thingala Belaku – Gaurava Atithi’ programme organized by the Ullal Press Club on Saturday, Narayanaswamy emphasized that planting mangrove (kandla) saplings is the only viable solution to combat sea erosion in the area.
“There is no doubt that the coast will be submerged if we do not take necessary steps now,” Narayanaswamy stated, noting that the coastal stretch from Talapady to Ullal was once densely covered with mangroves. However, development activities have led to significant deforestation, adversely affecting marine ecology and increasing erosion risks.
He urged the government and forest department to prioritize the planting of more mangroves and casuarina saplings along the shores to mitigate erosion caused by climatic changes. Highlighting the historical context, Narayanaswamy pointed out that the Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) map from 1993 showed extensive mangrove coverage from Ullal to Talapady. The clearing of these mangroves has already led to the destruction of several houses due to sea erosion.
Contrasting the situation with neighboring Kerala, which has been actively planting mangroves, Narayanaswamy called for a similar drive on the coast from Ullal to Battappady. He also cited a 1991 Supreme Court directive for states to implement effective environmental management plans.
Additionally, he mentioned that unrestricted sand extraction has exacerbated sea erosion in Ullal. Mescom senior engineer Nithesh Hosagadde and Ullal Press Club president Vasanth N Konaje were also present at the event.