Project to build groynes may take off soon

After a prolonged delay, the project to construct groynes to prevent sea erosion has seen some progress, even though residents want the work to be started immediately to save the fishing hamlets vulnerable to seawater incursion.

The State government is all set to submit the project for environment clearance to the Union Ministry of Environment and Forests after amending the project proposal as per the specifications sought by the Centre.

It may be recalled that Rs. 32 crore was sanctioned three years ago to construct 10 groynes, structures that are perpendicular to the shoreline, for a distance of two km between Ennore creek and Thalangkuppam, near here.

In the last one year alone, the sea has advanced by 10 metres, pointed out residents. With the fishing hamlets facing a threat of seawater incursion during the impending Northeast monsoon, the Water Resources Department (WRD) is preparing to lay groynes as soon as the environment clearance is received.

However, residents who live in constant fear of the advancing sea demand that the work be carried out on war-footing before the monsoon.

There are over 4,000 families in Nettukuppam and Thalangkuppam and residents are worried that further delay in executing the project may lead to losing their homes.

‘Seawall not protective’

A. Kumar of Nettukuppam said: “The sea would turn rough in two months and start closing in on houses in the unprotected hamlets. The seawall built near Thalangkuppam is not enough to protect the villages from sea erosion. Every year, residents lose homes and belongings.”

The Water Resources Department proposes to build a total of 19 groynes in two phases and this would cover Ernavoorkuppam too. On the delay, officials of the WRD said the process to get environmental clearance in the State Environment department and prepare a proposal for Centre’s proposal had taken much time. A study by IIT-Madras was also commissioned to seek approval of the project.

The groynes would be built at an interval of 100-200 metres. For the first time, the shoreline in north Chennai would have six ‘T’ shaped groynes in vulnerable spots to control wave action and quick reclamation of beach, said an official.

“We are planning to start first phase of project immediately and finish within four or five months. We are also ready to carry out emergency works with the available funds if there is a delay in Centre’s approval,” the official added.