Sustainable Coastal Investment Programme, India

Our role is to help deliver sustainable and environmentally friendly solutions that will replace the ad-hoc dumping of rocks and construction of rock walls along the coast that was accepted practice for decades.

Key facts

• Coastal erosion and flooding are seasonal phenomena, however, human activity exacerbates these in certain areas. The programme aims to evaluate the impacts and propose sustainable methods for managing these.
• We are advising the Government of Karnataka during the construction of four inshore berms and two off-shore reefs as well as the rehabilitation of two rock breakwaters at Ullal, Mangalore.
• The Karnataka coastal zone is a key part of the economy, supporting agricultural and horticultural activities, fishing, aquaculture, harbour development, tourism and transport.
• Approximately 1.6 million people will benefit.

Challenges

• Developing shore management plans that address coastal protection needs taking into account serious erosion hazards.
• Advising coastal communities on making changes to activities to support sustainable management over the long term.

Solution

Karnataka government has created a Coastal Infrastructure Management Unit within the Karnataka Public Works, Ports and Inland Water Transport Department, which will monitor the coast and provide sustainable solutions to protect and manage coastal assets. Stakeholders will interact via community-based shoreline management organisations.

Value and benefits

• Coastal protection will not only improve incomes and reduce poverty in coastal communities in Karnataka; it will also have a positive effect on the overall economic development of the coastal area.
• Better coordination and management of coastal protection at all levels will be realised with the establishment of the unit.
• We're involving local stakeholders to support and ensure the sustainability of the anti-erosion works.