Andhra Pradesh Teams Up with IIT-Madras to Protect Erosion-Hit Uppada Coast

The Andhra Pradesh government has signed an agreement with the Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT-Madras) to protect the Uppada coastline in Kakinada district, which has been facing severe erosion. Under the pact, a seawall will be constructed under the technical guidance of IIT-Madras, which will prepare the detailed project report (DPR) and monitor the project's implementation, scheduled to begin in November.

Kakinada District Collector M.N. Harendhira Prasad and Prof. S.A. Sannasiraj from IIT-Madras' Department of Ocean Engineering signed the agreement on Wednesday at the camp office of Deputy Chief Minister and Minister for Environment & Forests K. Pawan Kalyan, near Mangalagiri. The collaboration marks a significant step towards addressing the long-standing issue of coastal erosion in the region, which has threatened livelihoods and infrastructure along the Uppada shoreline.

According to an official release, the seawall will be constructed at an estimated cost of ₹323 crore. The State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA) will act as the nodal agency for the project, which has been approved by the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA). The Andhra Pradesh Maritime Board (APMB) will serve as the executive agency, overseeing the actual construction work.

IIT-Madras is tasked with preparing the design based on a comprehensive study of coastal erosion intensity at Uppada, ocean currents, and wave action. This scientific approach is expected to ensure that the seawall is robust and tailored to the specific conditions of the coast, rather than relying on generic designs. The institute's experts will also monitor the implementation to ensure adherence to quality and safety standards.

The Uppada coast, located in Kakinada district, has witnessed significant erosion over the years, affecting fishing communities and coastal settlements. The construction of a seawall is seen as a crucial intervention to prevent further land loss and protect the region from high tides and storm surges. However, environmental experts have often called for sustainable solutions that balance coastal protection with ecological preservation.

Officials present at the signing included Andhra Pradesh Pollution Control Board Member-Secretary S. Sri Saravanan, Pithapuram Area Development Authority Director N.V. Sivaram Prasad, SDMA Executive Director Khateeb Kouser Bano, and APMB Chief Engineer G.V. Raghava Rao. The involvement of multiple agencies highlights the coordinated effort required to tackle such a complex challenge.

With the project set to commence in November, the state government has reiterated its commitment to safeguarding its coastline. The partnership with IIT-Madras is expected to bring technical expertise and accountability to the project, setting a precedent for future coastal management initiatives in the state.