The Department of Tourism, Government of Kerala in association with the Department of Harbour Engineering, implemented India's first offshore multi-purpose reef at Kovalam to protect the Lighthouse beach. The multi-purpose project, while improving the ecology would also enhance tourism growth through the introduction of surfing. Kovalam Multi-Purpose Reef is showing encouraging results and leading a new trend of valuable coastal protection methods. The multi-purpose reef was designed to protect the beach from erosion, and it was made from materials that would improve marine habitat and fishing for the locals. On Feb 27, 2010 India's first Multi-Purpose Reef at the Lighthouse Beach in Kovalam was completed. The reef now protects the eroding stretch of the Lighthouse beach from further devastation during the monsoon rainy season by reducing the wave energy. Fish life blossoms as the reef provides a firm substrate on the seabed for colonization by marine species. Kovalam Multi-Purpose Reef is an innovate form of coastal protection that provides value previously not associated with coastal protection structures like seawalls, groins and jetties. The long-term objective of Kovalam Multi-Purpose Reef is to restore the beach by providing 'soft' or 'sustainable' prevention mechanism for coastal erosion. Providing marine habitat strengthens local fish population, promoting security to the livelihood of local fishermen and providing added benefits to the marine environment. The reef is offshore and submerged and the multi-purpose reef does not restrict access to the coast. For the sake of beach protection and fishing benefits, a multi-purpose reef can be designed to greatly improve the surfing conditions, which was another strong goal of the project. The reef generates adequate wave for surfing enthusiasts, bringing more travelers and revenue to the area. The project was focused on Kovalam, but the technology could be used in other locations in India. The multi-purpose reefs can be used as a substitute for the devastating rock seawalls and other hard structures along India's shoreline, which are destroying our tourism and preventing local villagers, access to the sea for fishing. | |
