Is climate change behind cyclones hitting Konkan?

Aditi Tatkare examines uprooted mango trees and other damaged crops

The battering of the Konkan belt by two cyclones in a short period has pushed authorities to ponder on the need for roping in experts to carry out an extensive research-based study to rule out any climate change effect in the region.

Aditi Thatkare, State and Guardian Minister of Raigad district, said, "Konkan has experienced heavy rainfall for centuries, but our concern is about the two consecutive cyclones that the region has witnessed in less than a year, though the extent of damage this time was comparatively lesser than last year's Nisarga."

"We are keen to rope in experts for an extensive study of the region, especially the coastline, and come up with affordable solutions, which can curtail any loss of human life, livestock, property and even crops. The houses across Konkan are the way they have always been designed and withstood climatic conditions with ease. However, the old clay-tiled roof has now been replaced either with asbestos or aluminium sheets along with Plaster of Paris false ceiling, which makes the structures more vulnerable to cyclones," said Aditi.

Also Read: Cyclone Tauktae: Armed with chain saws, Mumbai cops pitch in to clear trees

The minister said that about 6,000 houses in Raigad have suffered partial damage this time, while nearly 30 have been destroyed. "Last year, the government had given Rs 15,000 (Rs 6,000 from NDRF and Rs 9,000 from state) for houses that were partially damaged. We are yet to get any announcement on the compensation so far." Konkan suffered a loss of about Rs 300 crore due to Nisarga.

Aditi said 400-500 mango cultivators in six talukas have sustained heavy losses apart from growers of bananas, coconuts and betel nuts due to Tauktae. Since Nisarga had hit in June 2020, the mango season was over.

Mahad resident Sarkar Jalal said, "I know families who would take pride for owning over thousands of mango trees. Last year's cyclone wiped them completely. Those who could afford have again planted mangoes, which will take over 10 years to bear fruits. Unfortunately, there was no financial aid from the government."

Aditi said their priority is to get primary health care centres repaired. "Luckily, all the vaccines were moved to locations with power backup. We would continue with the vaccination programme."

She said the extent of devastation caused by Nisarga had left everyone in shock. She said, "Even though there was no clarity about Taukate land fall anywhere in Konkan belt, we still were informed by IMD that our coastal area will be experiencing heavy to very heavy rainfall with high winds as the cyclone moves towards Gujarat, passing through Alibaug."

Raigad Collector Nidhi Choudhary said the 12 transformers, 426 LD poles, 268 high tension poles of the Mahavitran got damaged in the district. "Power restoration work is on. Also, we have started doing the panchnama of damaged houses and the details will be sent to the state government." She said Covid-19 centres were given power and oxygen backup. "No untoward incidents were reported from Covid-19 centres and hospitals in the district," said the collector.

Ever since Nisarga left a trail of destruction, Aditi said, they moved several high tension poles from forested and marshy land to easily accessible areas. "Out of 1,900 revenue villages in Raigad, 1299 have already got back power and the remaining will get electricity in two to three days." She has also asked authorities to clear the debris of a huge overhead water tank that collapsed in Alibaug.

Search on for the missing

Officials said a search is on to trace three men who were on a fishing boat along with four others when gusty winds snapped its anchor and pushed it to the sea near Deoghar of Sindhudurg. Rescuers have so far recovered two bodies and brought as many to safety.

Maha loss for MSEDCL

Power distributor Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Co. Ltd or Mahavitaran has once again suffered losses due to damaged transmission infrastructure. "We have already shortlisted Ratnagiri, Alibaug and Satpati in Vasai area to lay underground cables under the ‘National Cyclone Risk Mitigation Project'," said a senior official. For the time being, he said, the priority is to fix overground wires and restore supply. "Underground cabling costs five to six times more than laying cables over the surface."

More rescue operations

Meanwhile, Indian Naval Ships Beas, Betwa and Teg joined INS Kochi and Kolkata for a Search and Rescue operation for Barge P-305, which sank 35 nautical miles off Mumbai. Authorities have also roped in P8I and naval helicopters for an aerial search. So far, 180 survivors have been rescued.

In another operation, an Indian Navy Seaking helicopter rescued 35 crew members of a GAL Constructor that ran aground North of Mumbai.

"SAR efforts are also in progress off the coast of Gujarat for three vessels namely Support Station 3, Great Ship Aditi and Drill Ship Sagar Bhushan," read a defence release.