Mangaluru : Nalin Kumar Kateel, Member of Parliament on Friday directed officials in-charge of sea erosion prevention projects in Ullal to expedite the process of assessing the damage resulting from sea erosion and payment of compensation to affected families.

Chairing a meeting of officials from the Ports and Fisheries Department and the wing of the State Government executing sea erosion prevention projects funded by the Asian Development Bank (ADB), Mr. Kateel asked officials to complete at the earliest the work of repairing the sea walls which have been damaged in Uchila Someshwara, Mukkacherry and few other places near Ullal.

Mr. Kateel asked officials to complete the work of building in-shore berms by placing perpendicular structures of sand along the shore at eight different places. The in-shore berms have been laid at two places. Mr. Kateel said officials should anticipate the likely adverse impact from the in-shore berms and tak preventive steps.

The MP asked officials to survey the sea coast from Talapady to Sasihitlu and take action to shift families likely to be affected by monsoon next year.

Minister in-charge of the district U.T. Khader visited areas affected by sea erosion on Friday. He met residents of houses that have been damaged by sea erosion and those facing the threat of damage in Uchila, Someshwara, Mukkacherry, Caico and Killeriya. He assured people of assistance from district administration. Police Commissioner Sandeep Patil accompanied Mr. Khader. (EOM)