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Title : Regarding sea erosion in Coastal Karnataka.
SHRI D.V. SADANAND GOWDA (MANGALORE): Sir, due to heavy rains and ferocious tides in coastal Karnataka, several houses of fishermen have collapsed and several fishermen are also missing.
According to a statement of the Government of Karnataka itself, nearly 94 people have died due to natural calamities, and 4,199 houses have totally collapsed. The total estimated damage is of the order of about Rs. 163.57 crore. This state of affairs is continuing for years together, but no proper steps have been taken like putting permanent structures like stonewalls, etc., which are required to stop further damage to life and property of fishermen as a result of erosion caused by sea.
In fact, the coastal protection project has already been approved. It is a project worth Rs. 135.95 crore, but funds are not released by the Central Government in spite of repeated demands by the Government of Karnataka, and also by me on the floor of this House on several occasions.
Therefore, I urge the Director, Coastal Erosion Directorate and the Central Water Commission to release the said amount without any further delay, and complete the project at the earliest in order to put an end to the danger on the life and property of fishermen in coastal Karnataka. Thank you.
DR. K.S. MANOJ (ALLEPPEY): Sir, I would like to associate with him.