‘TN coast safe from threats’

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The much-feared sea level rise attributed to climate change is not happening on an alarming scale to be worried about, at least for the next century and more, Prof. Dr Sundar, IIT Madras told Deccan Chronicle.

“Though the average sea level rise may vary from millimeters to a few feet geography-wise, Tamil Nadu, with its long coastline is safe, and even projecting it for a century or more, we will only see a rise of about few metres,” said Dr Sundar.

When asked in the context of the Koodankulam reactor and its proximity to the Indian Ocean, which saw the tsunami wreak havoc in 2004, he said though the tsunami has altered the way ocean bed behaves and resulted in small changes in the coastline, it may not have given rise to unforeseen coastal changes.

“After the tsunami, there were coastal floods and sometimes ingress of water. However, they are of smaller magnitude. It should be noted that IIT-M, as consultants have overseen the construction of groynes on Idinthakarai coast, which has increased the beach sand a lot,” he said.

‘Groynes’ are thin strips of rigid sea walls constructed with rocks on the coastline. These groynes act as brackets, taking advantage of the waves that deposit sand between these brackets. And the result is a new beach area is created adding on to the existing one.

“The coastal community of Idinthakarai has welcomed the construction of these groynes and this has helped the fishing community a lot. As to concerns about tsunamis reaching the reactor or even the lowermost reaches of the plant, it is largely unfounded fear and should be brushed aside,” he said.