Construction of Groynes to Prevent Coastal Erosion: District Collector Mahesh Kumar Construction of 21 Groynes Across an Area of ​​26 Acres

 

Allavaram: Indian News Times:District Collector R. Mahesh Kumar announced that groynes have assumed paramount importance in protecting the ONGC plant and curbing coastal erosion in the villages along the Odalarevu coast in the 

Allavaram Mandal of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Konaseema District. In this regard, he stated that the construction of 21 groynes would be undertaken across an area of ​​26 acres at Odalarevu. Speaking on the occasion, Collector Mahesh Kumar remarked that groynes serve as an excellent method for preventing coastal erosion. He noted that prior to their construction, a comprehensive scientific study regarding the direction of ocean waves and sand flow was conducted. He emphasized that such traditional structures are highly effective in safeguarding coastal regions. To this end, he stated that land acquisition procedures—carried out jointly by the Revenue and Forest Departments with the cooperation of ONGC—have been completed, and measures to commence the construction of the groynes have already been initiated. 

He further clarified that the acquired land comprises both Revenue and Forest lands. He described groynes as robust structures built firmly into the coastline, constructed using large rocks and concrete blocks. He explained that when ocean waves strike the shore at an angle, groynes intercept the sand that would otherwise be washed away by the waves. Consequently, sand accumulates on the side of the groyne, leading to the formation of a new beach or an increase in the width of the existing beach. He added that groynes also serve to reduce the intensity and velocity of ocean waves.  Consequently, he stated that the waves would be prevented from striking the shore with full force, thereby reducing coastal erosion. He noted that these measures would halt the washing away of sand in the coastal zone, ensuring the stability of the beaches and making them conducive to tourism. Furthermore, he affirmed that these initiatives would safeguard coastal villages, roads, and fishermen's homes from the encroachment of the sea. 

Speaking on the occasion, local legislator Aithabatthula Ananda Rao remarked that the groynes being constructed along the coastline would serve to regulate the impact of waves and mitigate sand displacement. He stated that this construction would curb coastal degradation and ensure the protection of the coastal region. He added that the formation of a wider beach area would foster the development of tourism. He also noted that the adverse effects of floods and cyclones would be minimized, and that coastal damage would be reduced as a result of the intensity of ocean waves being controlled to a significant extent. District Forest Officer M.V. Prasada Rao and representatives from the ONGC Odalarevu unit participated in this event.

              Srinivas Spl Correspondant