National Institute of Ocean Technology, Chennai will submit an interim report on factors causing beach erosion in Visakhapatnam and temporary and permanent measures required to tackle the menace by June 15.
After his return from a high-level review meeting held by Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu at Hyderabad, Visakhapatnam Port Trust Chairman M.T. Krishna Babu said they had decided to install geo synthetic pipes and underwater dykes, identify alternative sand sites and strengthen sea boundary as per suggestions made by international experts. As emergency measures, initiative will be launched to arrest erosion from RK Beach to Rushikonda. In the next phase, Yarada and Bhimili beaches will be covered. NIO, CWPRS, Pune, IIT-Chennai, Met Department and all other agencies concerned will form part of the committee formed by the Chief Minister to regularly monitor the progress.
Mr. Krishna Babu said VPT would launch beach nourishment in March-April at a cost of Rs.9 crore when the undercurrents would be minimal.
