From coastal protection works at Chennai Port to upgrading firefighting facilities at Kamarajar Port, Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid foundation stone for three crucial port projects in Tamil Nadu from Bhavnagar, Gujarat.
At a cost of ₹33 crore, as part of coastal protection work, the existing revetment behind the coastal berth is going to be repaired and strengthened for a length of 850 metres at Chennai Port.
According to officials of Chennai Port Authority, this revetment is along the eastern side of the Chennai Port, directly facing the Bay of Bengal. During cyclones or adverse weather conditions, having such a wall will protect the harbour of the port. This revetment is created with tetra pods and a concrete structure to withstand the pressure of the waves coming from the Bay of Bengal. But it continues to face storm surge and wave-induced damage due to exposure to the open sea.
After the city witnessed cyclones in recent years, the authorities made a decision to protect the harbour and prepare for any such events. IIT-Madras did a study and suggested that retrofitting the 850m revetment with concrete capping, crest wall, and tetrapod armour was essential. This work will ensure long term stability of the port infrastructure and avoid damage due to erosion and storm surges, an official said.
