TAG: GS 1: GEOGRAPHY
THE CONTEXT: The “kallakkadal phenomenon” has emerged as a significant threat to the coastal areas of Kerala and Tamil Nadu, prompting alerts from central agencies and raising concerns among fishermen and coastal residents.
EXPLANATION:
Nature of the “Kallakkadal Phenomenon”
- The “kallakkadal phenomenon” refers to the sudden swell of the seas, leading to rough waves along the coastline.
- This phenomenon is characterized by its unpredictability, as it can occur suddenly without specific indications or warnings.
- Strong winds in the southern part of the Indian Ocean are believed to trigger these sudden surges, earning the term “kallakkadal,” meaning a sea that comes suddenly like a thief.
- The sudden swell of the seas poses various risks to fishermen, coastal residents, and maritime activities.
- Rough waves can endanger fishing vessels and other boats, increasing the risk of collisions and accidents.
- Coastal communities may face disruptions to livelihoods and infrastructure damage due to the impact of rough seas.
- Additionally, activities at sea, such as fishing and recreational boating, become hazardous during this phenomenon, necessitating caution and preventive measures.
Alerts and Precautionary Measures
- Central agencies like the Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS) play a crucial role in issuing alerts and advisories to mitigate risks associated with the “kallakkadal phenomenon.”
- Recommendations include staying away from danger zone areas, safely mooring fishing vessels in harbors, and maintaining a safe distance between boats to prevent collisions.
- Coastal residents are advised to avoid trips to the beach and refrain from engaging in activities at sea until the phenomenon subsides.
Response and Preparedness
- Efforts to enhance preparedness and response to the “kallakkadal phenomenon” involve coordination among government agencies, coastal communities, and relevant stakeholders.
- Training programs, awareness campaigns, and the dissemination of timely information help build resilience and minimize the impact of sudden sea swells.
- Additionally, investing in early warning systems and monitoring technologies strengthens the capacity to anticipate and respond to such events effectively.
Future Considerations
- As climate change continues to influence weather patterns and ocean dynamics, the frequency and intensity of extreme events like the “kallakkadal phenomenon” may increase.
- Therefore, there is a need for ongoing research, monitoring, and adaptation strategies to address emerging risks and safeguard coastal communities’ well-being.
- Collaborative efforts at the national and regional levels are essential to build resilience and ensure the sustainable management of coastal ecosystems.
Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS):
- INCOIS was established as an autonomous body in 1999 under the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) and is a unit of the Earth System Science Organisation (ESSO).
- It is mandated to provide the best possible ocean information and advisory services to society, industry, government agencies and the scientific community through sustained ocean observations and constant improvements through systematic and focussed research.
- It provides round-the-clock monitoring and warning services for the coastal population on tsunamis, storm surges, high waves, etc. through the in-house Indian Tsunami Early Warning Centre (ITEWC).
- It provides daily advisories to fisher folk to help them easily locate areas of abundant fish in the ocean while saving on both fuel and time used to search for the same.
