Agreement Signed in the Presence of Deputy CM Shri Pawan Kalyan: IIT Madras to Oversee Design of Protection Wall, DPR, and Monitoring Responsibilities: Works to Commence from November: Construction of Coastal Protection Wall with ₹323 Crores
A crucial step forward has been taken for the protection of the Uppada coastal area, which is severely affected by sea erosion. In Kakinada district’s Pithapuram constituency, an understanding agreement was signed on Wednesday at the Mangalagiri camp office in the presence of Deputy Chief Minister Shri Pawan Kalyan, entrusting IIT-Madras with the design, comprehensive project report (DPR), and technical monitoring responsibilities for the construction of the coastal protection wall in this area.
The coastal protection wall will be constructed at a cost of ₹323 crores. The State Disaster Management Agency (SDMA) will act as the nodal agency for this prestigious project, approved under the Central Government’s National Disaster Management Fund (NDMF). The AP Maritime Board will execute the construction works at the field level.
Based on technical guidance and scientific studies from IIT Madras experts, suitable protection measures for the Uppada coastal area are being formulated. They will conduct a comprehensive study of factors such as the intensity of coastal erosion, ocean currents, wave impacts, and related aspects, and prepare the design for coastal protection structures accordingly.
Works to Begin from November
With the process for the official agreement with IIT Madras completed, the district machinery is making arrangements to start project works from the upcoming November. Officials consider this project to be of utmost priority for the protection of the people in the Uppada coastal area and fishing villages.
Kakinada Collector Shri M.N. Harendhira Prasad, Pollution Control Board Member Secretary Shri Saravanan, PADA Director Dr. N.V. Shivarama Prasad, IIT Madras Ocean Engineering Department Professor Shri S.A. Sannasi Raj, State Disaster Management Agency Executive Director Smt. Khatib Kauser Bano, Andhra Pradesh Maritime Board Chief Engineer Shri G.V. Raghavarao, and others participated in the program.
