Uninhabited Lakshadweep island Parali I vanishes, 4 others shrinking fast: study
A new study has revealed that one of
Lakshadweep’s bio-diversity rich islands Parali I has vanished. Parali I
island, part of Bangaram atoll, which was 0.032 km2 in 1968 has been
eroded to an extent of 100%, resulting in its inundation. Additionally,
four other territories in the sea are also shrinking.
Key facts:
A
general trend in erosion has been noticed in almost all islands he
studied. The magnitude of such events was higher in Parali group,
evidenced by the complete erosion and inundation of the island Parali I.
The magnitude of net erosion was higher in Parali I island (100%),
which resulted in its inundation. Apart from Parali I, net erosion was
higher in Parali II (80%), followed by Thinnakara (14.38%), Parali III
(11.42%) and Bangaram (9.968%). The complete erosion and inundation of
Parali I was pointing to the gravity of issues associated with coastal
erosion within the atoll.
What needs to be done now?
The study said the
complete erosion and inundation of Parali I was pointing to the gravity
of issues associated with coastal erosion within the atoll. Therefore, the results are indicative of the urgent measures to be implemented on each islet of the atoll to check further erosion. It is recommended to check the feasibility of a bio protection strategy using mangroves, in addition to the conventional physical protection measures.
Way ahead:
It
is now widely recognised that islands and coastal areas are going to
get eroded and inundated due to rising sea levels because of increasing
global temperature. India’s coasts and islands, which are densely
populated, are highly vulnerable. With the sea levels predicted to rise
further, we should start preparing for building defenses to protect our
coastlines and islands.
Sources: the hindu.
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