Udupi:  District In-charge Minister Pramod Madhwaraj said that the area of Kutpadi-Padukere is affected by sea erosion and the district administration has already taken precautionary measures to overcome the natural disaster.

Speaking to media persons after a spot visit to the area, the minister said last year the area between Udyavara and Kanakoda had witnessed the sea erosion. But the problem currently has affected a different area. The problem has resulted in the severe damage to the stretch and the sand beneath the road is slowly caving in leading to the destruction of the road. The deputy commissioner is told about the danger and her has ensured that 150 loads of boulders are dumped across 120 metre stretch. However, it was not useful and sea has crossed the stretch affecting the houses on the other side, he added.

There is also river next to a house and if at all the sea amalgamated with the river, there will be a major disaster. Hence, all precautionary measures will be taken to stop sea from crossing the stretch. The boulders are put as a temporary arrangement. However, Rs 90 crore is sanctioned under ADB to build a permanent sea wall. The wall construction work will be taken up after the rain stops. The tender for the project has been done. The work at Kanakoda-Padukere will also be taken up, he added.

He said he will take up the issue with the revenue secretary Rajkumar Khatri to sanction sufficient funds to tackle the problem. The sea coast at Maravanthe is also damaged due to unscientific construction of alignment of the break water in the area. An expert team, comprising the engineers, has studied the problem and the district administration will take up the protection wall work immediately, he added.

The house nearby, which belongs to Nadhu Suvarna, is damaged. Funds will be sanctioned to Suvarna for house repair work under Basava Vasati Yojane, he added.