The members of the Naval Foundation, Visakhapatnam chapter, are of the opinion the rampant construction along the coast, removal of shelterbelts and destruction of mangroves, had paved the way destruction of the coastal region on a big scale by the recent cyclone Hudhud.
A few years ago the beaches were covered with casuarina trees, sea grass and sand binders such as beach morning glory. But they have been removed to facilitate tourism and thus increased the chances of destruction and soil erosion, says Vice- Admiral (retired) A.V.R. Narayana Rao.
Interacting with The Hindu , he has pointed out that wherever such natural plants were present, the destruction was minimal. “This itself is a lesson to learn.”
The members have said that all temporary structures, including resorts and restaurants, which were set up in the name of tourism on the beachfront be removed with immediate effect.
Commander (retired) M.A. Raihan has asserted that a word of caution from the authorities concerned should be given to such entrepreneurs to avoid future plans and the government should take up re-plantation of mangroves and shelterbelts.
