Summary:
Multifunctional coastal protection options as done on the Ullal beach in Karnataka and the Puducherry beach, have to be considered, he says. The prescription for saving Shanghumughom from erosion is to “bring back the beach” as the beach offers the best protection, says Dr.
Mathew. more-inEven as the government is finalising plans to repair the 150-m seawall and 200-m road devoured by waves along with a major chunk of the Shanghumughom beach, scientists say any coastal protection solution should aim at restoring and preserving the beach. Recurrent erosionIt is not the first time that erosion occurs at Shanghumughom, threatening life and property. “The beach erosion being witnessed is a classic example of detrimental effects of coastal overdevelopment and human interference with nature,” Joseph Mathew, senior coastal scientist and Director, Sanctuary Beach Private Ltd, Singapore, told The Hindu on Wednesday..