Bhadeli village vanishing under rising sea water level

Surat, May 11 (UNI) Bhadeli village in Valsad taluka of the district is slowly vanishing under the rising sea water level, as a consequence of global warming.

The 250-year-old village has lost over 70 per cent of its total area after being hit persistently by high tides. The situation is so grave that about eight societies -- Masod, Kanji Bhika, Wani falia, Rabariya, Tad and Hanuman Falia -- had already been submerged under sea water.

The pussillanimous people had started evacuating the area, and now only 30 of the 300 families are left in the area.

''During high tides, sea water enters the village from all directions, making it an island. There is no scope to move out during monsoons, when we travel by boats,'' said Gopat Tandel, a villager.

The village lacks protection wall and other infrastructure. No development has taken place since last 10 years, he informed.

Although, local MLA Daulat Desai vowed to get a protection wall built, the construction work has not started as yet. Besides, the illegal sand mining has made life difficult for the people, said Meenakshi Tandel, Bhadeli sarpanch.

The district administration is totally unaware of the issue.

Valsad collector R B Dave said the administration will definitely take appropriate action, if there is any serious problem.

''We will definitely initiate steps to protect the village and save it from extinction. The administration will take every necessary step,'' he underlined.

UNI XR/PVN SSS ATI CS0845