The constant loss of land in Visakhapatnam due to sea erosion seems to benefit Kakinada in the form of land gain. The Kakinada Bay, near the Godavari estuary, is growing gradually northwards thanks to the deposits of soil eroded by sea in Visakhapatnam and other areas in north coastal Andhra

By Syed Akbar
Hyderabad: The constant loss of land in Visakhapatnam due to
sea erosion seems to benefit Kakinada in the form of land gain. The
Kakinada Bay, near the Godavari estuary, is growing gradually
northwards thanks to the deposits of soil eroded by sea in
Visakhapatnam and other areas in north coastal Andhra.

Sea erosion has been a major problem in Visakhapatnam for many
decades. Studies by marine scientists reveal that the Godavari Point,
which encloses Kakinada Bay, grew into the sea northward by about 12
km in the last 100 years. Researchers attribute this growth to sea
erosion and sediment discharge by Godavari due to floods and
deforestation.

The sedimentation rate is estimated to be one million tonnes per year
in Visakhapatnam. The progradation or extension of the shoreline is 15
metres per year in case of Godavari delta. The Krishna delta is also
growing at similar speed. On the western coast, the Gulf of Cambay is
also growing. In addition, the Godavari also brings in an equal
quantity of sedimentation from upper reaches contributing to the
extension of the Kakinada Bay.

The South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (Saarc) has
conducted a regional study on the causes and consequences of natural
disasters and the protection and preservation of the environment. A
Saarc document dealing with cyclones and sea erosion reveals,
“evidence of land subsidence along India's coasts is substantial”.

“Tide gauge data which determines the trend of submergence or
emergence along the coast shows increase in the sea level by 0.76 mm a
year, causing land submergence,” the Saarc report adds. Data from
other coastal cities like Mumbai, Kochi and Chennai showed an average
rise of 0.67 mm, which is lower than the rate observed at
Visakhapatnam.

Besides Visakhapatnam, sea erosion is also noticed at Uppada and
Bhimunipatnam. The soil is deposited at Kakinada Bay. Growth of sand
spits in the Godavari estuary is also attributed to the erosion in
north coastal belt of the State. The construction of breakwaters at
Visakhapatnam port has led to shoreline erosion.