Over the years, the government’s quick-fix plan to construct sea wall along coastal areas of the state has proved largely ineffective in checking sea erosion. This is because the work is carried out without conducting area-specific impact studies. Demand is now increasing for review of the old system. With the monsoon gaining strength across the state in the last three days, large stretches of the coast have become vulnerable to heavy erosion, leaving thousands of families with little choice but to face the wrath of the sea. Scientists and environmentalists have stressed the need for detailed impact studies in each region with an aim to develop suitable protection methods for each area in accordance with the nature of erosion there. They feel the best coastal protection strategy is to create a buffer zone for the interplay between land and sea. Dr K V Thomas, head of the marine sciences division at the National Centre for Earth Science Studies (NCESS) said the institute has conducted three studies over the last ten years on the reasons for sea erosion along Kerala’s coast. The studies have found that sea wall construction won’t be effective in all regions. “While breakwater or ‘pulimuttu’ is effective in some places, use of artificial submerged reefs is better in others. Protection measures should be preceded by site-specific studies instead of adopting a temporary solution following public pressure,” he said. We found that sea erosion can be effectively prevented with sandy beaches, but the sea wall constructions destroy the beaches which could have otherwise served as a buffer zone between the sea and land, he said, adding that sea walls and breakwaters also cause ‘end erosions’ which is excess erosion at its end points on either sides. Besides, construction of harbours, mining and dredging works affect stability of the shore. It is learnt that the government is considering several alternatives to sea wall construction, but until then the conventional method will be followed as it is a low-cost method.