Vishakhapatnam: Dr. SVV Arun Kumar, a scientist at ISRO’s Space Application Centre, has cautioned against the use of RK Beach for the Floating Sea Bridge (FSB) project, advocating for alternative sites. While Lawsons Bay offers potential if properly developed, Dr. Arun Kumar deems RK Beach unsuitable and hazardous for such structures.
On February 25, Rajya Sabha member YV Subba Reddy, accompanied by IT minister Gudivada Amarnath and Visakhapatnam Collector A Mallikarjuna, inaugurated the FSB near Kursura Submarine Museum along RK Beach Road. However, concerns arose on February 26 when reports circulated on social media of the FSB snapping just a day after inauguration. VMRDA commissioner A. Mallikarjuna clarified that the bridge’s operating staff had detached the T Point for further inspection, dispelling rumors.
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In an interview with the New Indian Express, Dr. S.V.V. Arun Kumar highlighted the risks associated with RK Beach for such projects and proposed alternative locations. “The stretch of RK Beach is prone to rip currents. Lawsons Bay, Rushikonda Beach, and the Kapuluppada region offer more suitable environments,” Dr. Arun Kumar suggested.
He emphasized the importance of comprehensive studies before embarking on such ventures. “Thorough modelling studies and bathymetric assessments are essential to minimize oceanic disturbances,” Dr. Arun Kumar explained. “We must respect natural processes and avoid compromising them for development.”
Dr. Arun Kumar’s 2022 research study, ‘Identifying Rip Channels Along RK Beach, Visakhapatnam,’ underscored the beach’s hazardous nature due to rip currents. The study reported numerous drownings at RK Beach in recent years, highlighting the urgency of caution.
Efforts to obtain updates on the FSB project from VMRDA authorities were unsuccessful.
