Rising sea level to engulf parts of Vizag by 2100, reports

As global warming keeps on increasing and due to climate change the sea level keeps on increasing, new reports are being formed sating the condition of endangered cities.

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), which issued a `code red` for humanity in its latest report, has listed Visakhapatnam among 12 Indian cities projected to witness a rise in sea levels leading to submergence of low lying areas.

The 6th Assessment Report for sea level projections was released on Monday.

NASA released a report on Tuesday giving median projections of global and regional sea-level rise, relative to a 1995-2014 baseline for various timelines.

Its sea level projection tool, an online data visualisation tool, reveals that sea level will rise by at least 0.54 metres (around 1.77 feet) by 2100 in Visakhapatnam.

Visakhapatnam city is already witnessing sea erosion in areas like Uppada.

The city has also seen frequent cyclones.

At the highest confidence scenario, the city will most certainly see a sea level rise of 0.25 metres (0.8 feet) by 2100.

The lowest confidence level scenario has projected a rise of 0.78 (2.5 feet).

Other coastal cities in India likely to be impacted similarly are Mumbai, Chennai, Cochin, Tuticorin, Paradip, Kandla, Okha, Bhavnagar, Mormugao, Mangalore and Khidirpur Sea level projections are based on data gathered from satellites and instruments on the ground, as well as analyses and computer simulations.

Environmentalist and former IAS official EAS Sharma told, "If sea level rises by 2 feet by 2100 some of the areas near the coast, like Sagar Nagar will get submerged without protection from hills.

Besides, the government is giving permissions for industries and beach resorts within or close to the Costal Regulation Zone (CRZ).

An area of 500 metres is earmarked as CRZ.

The zone is regularly violated."

He said, "The Centre has diluted CRZ regulations from time to time.