Kochi: With climate change and rising sea levels placing Kerala’s coastline under increasing threat, experts at the Summit of Future, hosted by Jain University warned that sea walls alone cannot offer long-term protection. The observations came during a panel discussion on the topic “Coasts at Risk: Solutions Beneath the Waves” on the third day of the summit, where participants proposed innovative approaches to address coastal erosion.
National Coastal Research Centre Director Dr. M.V. Ramana Murthy noted that nearly 47 percent of India’s coastline is vulnerable to erosion. While sea walls were once the only available option, he stressed the need today for solutions that combine natural systems with modern technology. He highlighted the importance of sand-bypassing systems to restore natural sediment flow disrupted by port construction.
Dr. Sekhar Lukose Kuriakose, Member Secretary of the Kerala State Disaster Management Authority, pointed to Kerala’s success in coastal warning systems, including sirens and SMS alerts, calling them a national model. He emphasized that long-term planning is crucial for coastal safety.
Norwegian scientist Lasse H. Pettersson explained how melting polar ice is accelerating sea-level rise and warned that Arctic climate shifts could influence India’s monsoon. The session was moderated by former Ambassador Prof. Venu Rajamony.
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