The erosion has displaced residents of eight fisherfolk villages, causing them to lose their homes and surrounding tree cover, compelling them to evacuate their locations.
On July 3 (Wednesday), Deputy Chief Minister K. Pawan Kalyan called upon the National Coastal Research Centre (NCRC) to conduct a thorough scientific survey. The survey aims to determine the causes of coastal erosion at Uppada and identify necessary measures to safeguard the land occupied by fisherfolk in eight villages of Kakinada district. This initiative aligns with Mr. Pawan Kalyan's electoral commitment to tackle the pressing issue of coastal erosion in the region.
Mr. Pawan Kalyan, along with NCRC experts, conducted a field study that revealed significant land loss of 1,360 acres along the Uppada coast over the past decade, according to the Department of Survey. This erosion has led to the displacement of residents from eight fisherfolk villages, resulting in the loss of homes and vegetation.
During his visit, Mr. Pawan Kalyan personally interacted with fisherfolk who had been forced to abandon their coastal homes and rebuild elsewhere. Following these discussions, he directed officials to explore options for rehabilitating these affected communities.
The deployment of geo-tube structures in recent years, aimed at mitigating erosion, proved ineffective along this stretch of coast. Kakinada District Collector Shan Mohan Sagili and other officials were present during Mr. Pawan Kalyan's interactions and assessments.