Udupi: Minister takes action to protect Udupi coastline from sea erosion

Mangalore Today News Network

Udupi, July 9, 2023: Laxmi Hebbalkar, the in-charge Minister of Udupi district, has expressed her commitment to prioritize permanent protection measures against the frequent sea erosion along the district’s coastline.

During her visit to the Kadipatna sea erosion site in Padubidri, Udupi district, Minister Hebbalkar announced that collaborative efforts with the Central government would be undertaken to implement permanent protective measures.

Acknowledging the late arrival of the monsoon in the district, the Minister lamented the loss of seven lives due to natural calamities. The government has promptly provided compensation of Rs. 5 lakh to the affected families. She emphasized the importance of taking proactive steps to prevent any further unfortunate incidents caused by such calamities.

Furthermore, Minister Hebbalkar instructed officials to expedite the release of compensation for loss of life, damage to properties, and livestock fatalities. She also highlighted the need to assess the requirement for footbridges and vented dams, with a commitment to taking appropriate actions.

Accompanying the Minister during her visit were Kaup MLA Suresh Shetty Gurme, Deputy Commissioner M. Kurma Rao, and other officials.

In a heartfelt gesture, Minister Hebbalkar met with the family members of Praveen Acharya, who tragically lost his life under a fallen tree in Belman on Thursday night. Offering her condolences, she handed over a compensation check of Rs. 5 lakh to the bereaved family.

Regrettably, the district reported another casualty in Karkala taluk, where Baby Shetty lost her life after falling into a stream in Nadayipalke, Nallur. The incident occurred while she was searching for cattle that had not returned from grazing.

On a positive note, the intensity of rain reduced in Udupi on Friday, with an average rainfall of 51.5 mm recorded from 8 a.m. on Friday to 8 a.m. on Saturday. However, authorities advised caution as wind speeds of 40-55 km per hour were anticipated along the coast, urging fishermen to refrain from venturing into the sea.

Unfortunately, heavy rainfall and strong winds caused partial damage to 11 houses in the district during this period.

In response to a reported landslip at the Kallianapura-Santhekatte vehicular underpass site on NH 66, Udupi MLA Yashpal Suvarna visited the location and urged officials to take preventive measures to avoid further landslides.