As a precautionary measure, the district administration has closed Rushikonda Beach for tourists because of the coastal erosion that has been persistent to the city. The marine police have made strict regulations banning people from going to the beach.
“The Vizag beach eroded in 2012 and last year as well. As the present south-west monsoon is active and vigorous, it is abetting the beach erosions by the frequent high tides. We have looked at the photos of erosion of the previous years. It will continue till October spreading to every area,” said VSN Murthy, the principal scientist in-charge of National Institute of Oceanography (NIO) regional centre in the city.
He further stated that the watch tower present around that area might be affected for the same reason.
Meanwhile many livelihoods who are dependent on the beach and its activities will suffer huge losses as they do not have nay other place to go. The beach erosion which has affected the shopkeepers partially till now is now making them shut their business to look for an alternative source of income to feed themselves. “So far, we have not received any notice. We are told to move back,” said Nookalamma, a vendor.
