French Ambassador surveys coastline erosion

Asked whether he was concerned over the former French town being eroded, he said, "It is very well built. This concern is valid for all coastal dwellers.

Close inspection:French Ambassador Francois Richier surveying the Puducherry coast on Saturday.— Photo: T. Singaravelou

After making a spot assessment of the coastal erosion in Puducherry on Saturday, Ambassador of France to India, Francois Richier, expressed concern over the issue and stated that France would partner with India and Government of Puducherry in coastline protection.

The French Ambassador, who is here on an official visit, rode on a Coast Guard interceptor boat around Puducherry Coast after clearances were issued from Union Ministries and surveyed the coastline and extent of erosion. He was accompanied by Consul General of France in Puducherry, Philippe Janvier-Kamiyama, Coast Guard, Puducherry Unit Commander N.Somasundaram and other officials.

Later talking to

The Hindu , Mr. Richier said the ride on the Coast Guard boat was a great experience and added, “This is the first opportunity to see Puducherry from the sea even as I had come to Puducherry several times. I could see how the city is and (how it) can be improved in future.”

Asked whether he was concerned over the former French town being eroded, he said, “It is very well built. This concern is valid for all coastal dwellers.

We could see the fishermen’s houses are almost on the sea now. I don’t know the answer for the problem. But they themselves have been raised to monitor and adopt methods to prevent the erosion.”

He also pointed out that sea erosion has been occurring from Chennai to Puducherry due to geological changes and erosion was not limited to Puducherry.

Pointing out that France and India already are co-operating across various domains, Mr. Richier said, “We will do more specific programmes on coastal management.”

Explaining the discussions with the Chief Minister N. Rangasamy on Friday, Mr. Richier said “what we have discussed with the Chief Minister was that in case Government of India decides that Puducherry would become a Smart City, we will partner with Puducherry to ensure the success of the project.”