::NIOT:: Puducherry Beach Restoration project (Beach Nourishment & Submerged Reef)

The coastline of Puducherry and the neighboring Tamil Nadu coastline have suffered from severe coastal erosion due to natural and anthropogenic activities. Short term measures like Seawalls and Groin field were attempted by Puducherry government but the erosion problem shifted further north, with increased intensity. Detailed shoreline management plan was prepared using satellite data and process based measurements covering two predominant seasons (SW and NE Monsoons). As part of this plan Puducherry government has implemented the beach nourishment scheme along 500m coast line using 50,000 m3 of dredged sand from harbour mouth. The nourishment resulted in gaining of beach to an extent of 60m near Puducherry Light House and Puducherry New Pier.
Based on the learning from experimental beach nourishment, process based measurements and numerical studies; proposal for two reefs along with beach nourishment is made. Methodology for implementation of beach nourishment along with design beach profiles was arrived and this indicates an immediate requirement of 0.5 million m3 of sand for nourishment. Various configurations of offshore retaining structures are studied to increase the life of the nourished beach and minimize the effect of erosion on the north side. Implementation of proposed hybrid solution (Beach Nourishment and two Reefs) not only protects the coast but also restores the beach, which was lost. The proposed scheme was reviewed by an international consultant. The northern Reef will be implemented by MoES and the Southern Reef along with beach Nourishment will be implemented by Puducherry Government. The Bhumi Pooja was performed in the presence of honorable Chief Minister of Puducherry and the project execution has commenced. The project is likely to be completed within a period of six months depending on climatic conditions.
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