Watch: Why are Varkala Cliffs facing erosion?
The Hindu
Unregulated tourism and the construction of permanent structures have led to the erosion of cliffs over years
The iconic Varkala cliffs in Kerala, with its stunning view of the Arabian Sea, attracts numerous tourists
In 2014, the red cliffs at Varkala were declared the 27th National Geological Monument in the country by the Geological Survey of India
However, the 6-km-long, 30-metre-high cliff formation is facing the threat of erosion
According to experts, geological formation in Varkala is not stable.
At the top, there is strong laterite for 3-4 metres, but below that there are much softer layers of sandstone and carbonaceous clay, struggling to hold the laterite layer at the top
If that wasn’t enough, unregulated tourism and the construction of permanent structures have led to the erosion of cliffs over years
As many as 69 restaurants and cafes, located within 10 metres from the cliff end, were listed as unauthorised constructions