‘Geotubes to curb erosion along coast’

PUDUCHERRY: In a bid to protect the sea coast from erosion, the territorial administration has decided to put geotubes on the Muthialpet-Kanagachetticulam stretch. At a press conference
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PUDUCHERRY: In a bid to protect the sea coast from erosion, the territorial administration has decided to put geotubes on the Muthialpet-Kanagachetticulam stretch.

At a press conference here on Tuesday, Chief Minister V Vaithilingam said the project would be implemented at an estimated cost of `20 crore. Vaithilingam had met Union Minister for Environment and Forests Jayaram Ramesh for getting environmental clearance for the plan.

Geotubes involve pipes that would be filled with sand and laid on the coast. The government decided to use geotubes after considering several solutions. Experts from Anna University suggested geotubes, which do not adversely affect the surrounding areas or transfer the erosion problem elsewhere.

The Public Works Department would appoint a consultant to prepare a detailed project report on the length and height of the geopipes required. Around 12 km of the coast — from Old Distillery site to Kanagachetticulam — would be laid by the territorial administration. The intermittent areas coming under Tamil Nadu would be taken care of by the Tamil Nadu government, which has already planned installation of geotubes at Chinnamudaliarchavady.

Vaithilingam said he has already approached the Ministry of Environment and Forests for clearance for Pudukuppam-Murthikuppam fish landing facility. Besides, the government has plans to construct a road on the coast connecting Narambai and Panithittu fishing villages in Bahour constituency, represented by Welfare Minister M Kandasamy.

FLOOD CONTROL MEASURES: Two new canals would be constructed for directly draining away water into the sea. This is being done in the wake of inundation of low-lying areas in the recent rains, the chief minister said.

One of the canals would be on the Ginger Hotel-Lions Park area and would drain away water from the airport area that floods Krishnanagar, Rainbow Nagar and Lawspet. The second would be from Oulgaret and would prevent flooding in Moolakulam, Jawahar Nagar and Jayanagar.

RAIN RELIEF: The government has announced Rs 2 lakh as compensation to the family of a person who was electrocuted. Those injured in rain-related incidents would get Rs 25,000. In addition, 20 kg of rice would be provided to Below Poverty Line card holders for free. Also, 10 kg of rice and wheat at `1 per kg would be distributed through fair price shops.

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