₹ 176-Crore Coastal Shield Planned For Vizag Shoreline
The project also includes ecological measures such as bio-shields across 26 coastal locations at a cost of `13 crore to strengthen natural coastal buffers through plantation systems
Visakhapatnam: The Central government has approved a ₹176-crore coastal erosion mitigation project for the Visakhapatnam Metropolitan Region (VMR), aimed at protecting vulnerable stretches of the city’s shoreline through a mix of engineering, ecological restoration and disaster-resilience measures.
Sanctioned under the National Disaster Mitigation Fund (NDMF), the project titled “Enhancing the Coastal Resilience in Visakhapatnam” was proposed by the Visakhapatnam Metropolitan Region Development Authority in response to increasing shoreline erosion along the coast.
A preliminary Detailed Project Report (DPR), prepared with assistance from the National Centre for Coastal Research, had initially estimated the project cost at ₹203 crore. However, the Standing Committee of the National Executive Council (SC-NEC) approved a revised proposal worth `176 crore on February 19, which later received clearance from the High-Level Committee (HLC) on March 30.
The project funding will follow a 90:10 ratio, with the National Disaster Management Authority contributing `158.40 crore and the State government providing `17.60 crore. Officials said the project is expected to be completed within 20 months from the date of issue of the work order.
Funds will be released in three instalments, `52.80 crore in the first phase, followed by `70.40 crore and a final `52.80 crore — subject to submission of utilisation certificates and expenditure reports.
Among the major interventions proposed is a `71-crore retaining wall along the Gokul Park-Kursura stretch at RK Beach covering 1.5 km. The hybrid structure will combine RCC retaining walls, pile foundations and sand nourishment techniques to minimise coastal erosion.
At Mangamaripeta, a `43-crore deflection wall and beach nourishment project has been proposed, while reef enhancement and beach protection works at Bheemunipatnam are estimated to cost `37 crore.
The project also includes ecological measures such as bio-shields across 26 coastal locations at a cost of `13 crore to strengthen natural coastal buffers through plantation systems. Non-structural measures worth `12 crore will focus on capacity building, awareness initiatives and early warning systems.
Preparatory work has already been assigned to leading institutions. The National Institute of Oceanography will undertake Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) demarcation, while the Central Water and Power Research Station will conduct technical studies. IIT Madras has been entrusted with DPR and structural design consultancy.
VMRDA officials said the initiative is among the most comprehensive coastal resilience projects undertaken in Andhra Pradesh and is expected to become a model for integrated shoreline protection in urban coastal regions.