The scenic beach stretch of Visakhapatnam, known for its picturesque charm, is now grappling with a pressing issue – the risk of erosion.

Experts have sounded the alarm, pointing towards a combination of adverse weather conditions and unbalanced beach nourishment activities as the culprits behind this concerning development.

Spanning 2.3 kilometers, the shoreline between the statues of Dr. YSR and NTR is currently in the spotlight due to the encroaching sea water that has approached dangerously close to the protective walls that separate these two prominent junctions. Even more alarming is the fact that this erosion has persisted despite the recent efforts at beach nourishment carried out by the Visakhapatnam Port Authority (VPA) in February earlier this year.

Expressing their perspective on the matter, a notable figure from the scientific community has come forward. The scientist-in-charge at the National Institute of Oceanography (NIO) has stated that the Visakhapatnam Port Authority officials should have engaged in consultations with experts before embarking on the beach nourishment activity. This approach, they assert, could have led to a more balanced and effective intervention, possibly mitigating the current erosion predicament.

The situation has not gone unnoticed by beachgoers and residents either. A concerned visitor named P. Akansh recounted an alarming observation: "On August 2, I witnessed sea water breaching the protective wall near the coconut groves. The sand was eroded, and the water even reached the roots of the trees, underscoring the urgency of the situation."

As the community grapples with this environmental challenge, the need for a comprehensive and informed approach to coastal management becomes increasingly apparent. Collaborative efforts between relevant authorities, scientific experts, and local stakeholders may hold the key to preserving the natural beauty and integrity of Visakhapatnam's cherished beaches.