Home / Environment / Coastal Communities Brace for Swell Wave Threat: NCSCM Proposes Evacuation Routes and Protective Measures
Coastal Communities Brace for Swell Wave Threat: NCSCM Proposes Evacuation Routes and Protective Measures
10 Sep
Summary
- NCSCM recommends evacuation routes, beach nourishment, and spatial planning to combat swell wave threat
- Swell waves can damage homes, infrastructure, and disrupt livelihoods in coastal areas
- National Green Tribunal takes suo motu notice of swell wave alert in Kerala
On September 10, 2025, the National Centre for Sustainable Coastal Management (NCSCM) under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change unveiled a comprehensive plan to combat the growing threat of swell waves along India's coastlines. The agency's report, prepared on the directive of the National Green Tribunal, outlines a multi-pronged strategy involving local communities to mitigate the impact of this natural phenomenon, known locally as 'Kallakadal' or 'rogue sea'.
The report highlights the sudden and disruptive nature of swell waves, which have had a significant impact on coastal states like Kerala. These high-energy waves can damage homes and infrastructure, as well as disrupt the livelihoods of coastal communities, particularly in low-lying areas such as Alappuzha, Kollam, and Thiruvananthapuram. The NCSCM emphasizes the importance of understanding this threat to develop early warning systems and raise community awareness, thereby reducing the impact of such flooding events.
To address the challenge, the NCSCM has proposed a multi-pronged approach. Firstly, the agency recommends the establishment of clear and accessible evacuation routes to higher ground or inland areas, which are crucial for community safety during swell wave events. These routes should be well-marked, especially for residents in regions at higher risk of flooding.
Secondly, the report suggests the construction of protective infrastructure, such as seawalls, revetments, groins, jetties, and breakwaters, to reduce the impact of swell waves and minimize shoreline erosion. These measures should be designed based on local wave patterns and environmental conditions to maximize their effectiveness.
The NCSCM's report comes in the wake of the National Green Tribunal's suo motu notice of a report in The Hindu on May 4, 2024, which referred to the alert issued to coastal communities in Kerala about high-energy swell waves along the coast. The agency's comprehensive plan aims to safeguard India's coastlines and the livelihoods of the communities that depend on them.
