Relief soon for residents of fishing hamlets

Project to construct groynes to prevent seawater erosion is nearing completion

Work to construct groynes to protect shoreline near Nettukuppam is nearing completion.

This year, fishing hamlets along the coastline in north Chennai may just escape the threat of seawater incursion, an issue that has literally eaten into their homes and lives. Their relief comes from the fact that the long-pending project to construct groynes in the sea is nearing completion and is expected to resolve the problem of seawater erosion.

The Water Resources Department is building ‘T’ shaped groynes, which is a collection of boulders laid perpendicular to the shoreline to protect the coast from disrupting waves, for a distance of two km from Ennore creek to Thazangkuppam. “We are in the process of constructing 10 groynes at a distance of 150-200 metres between these fishing hamlets off Ennore Expressway. This initiative would benefit at least two lakh people in these localities who live in constant fear of sea erosion particularly during monsoon,” said an official.

These groynes would cover areas of Thazangkuppam, Nettukuppam and Periyakuppam. It may be recalled that ₹32 crore was sanctioned towards construction of groynes in north Chennai to arrest seawater incursion. However, the process of getting environmental clearance delayed the project.

The department has laid groynes for a length of 75 metres into the sea with a ‘T’ shape at the edge. “We have constructed the groynes, with boulders weighing up to five tonnes as recommended by IIT Madras and the Institute of Hydraulics and Hydrology, Poondi. This will control wave action and help reclaim the beach faster,” the official said.

Travelling on Ennore Expressway during rainy season or storm surges is a difficult task as portions of the road would be damaged. The construction of groynes would also address the problem of frequent damage to the road, sources said.

Welcoming the initiative to protect the erosion of the coastline and their livelihood, residents of fishing hamlets said more such structures are needed to secure the shoreline. R.Balu, a resident of Nettukuppam, said the authorities must also consider more such groynes or sea wall near the Ennore estuary and cover more areas.

Meanwhile, the department plans to build nine more groynes between Periyakuppam, Chinnakuppam and Ernavoorkuppam and the work would be started in April. “We expect this initiative to help form a proper beach within six months or one year,” an official added. The project is likely to be completed by this month-end.