Geo-textile tubes: An innovative solution for coastal defences

Garware Technical Fibres (formerly Garware-Wall Ropes), a leading solution provider of technical textiles for the Indian and global markets, held a press conference in Bhubaneswar on the success of Pentha Project, which was completed within a span of three years (2013-2016) in Odisha.

The Pentha project was a pioneering project in Odisha to use soft intervention technology with three tiers of geo-textile tubes, for coastal protection. The Geo-textile tubes helped in withstanding the extremely severe cyclones (viz ) ‘Phailin’ ,’Hud Hud’ and ‘Fani’ that hit the state of Odisha and its coastal neighbours. The geo-textile tube acts as a massive bund that can be used as a protective measure against tidal wave action due to cyclones or tsunamis. At the time of cyclone last year in the months of April 2019, the Pentha Village and the adjoining villages were not affected because of the existence of the Geosynthetics-Tubes.

Sharing his view on the success of the Pentha Project, Tiru Kulkarni, President Geosynthetics Division Garware Technical Fibres stated, “The Pentha Project is a landmark project for Garware technical Fibres; as this project had proved to be immense help for the villagers residing along the coastline. The livelihood of people based out at Pentha is primarily based on farming and the Geosynthetics-tubes helps in protecting around 6000 hectares of crop land and prevents the salty water to enter into the paddy fields. We at Garware Technical Fibres Ltd. believe to work for the welfare of the society and contribute towards a better living. The innovative techniques used by our personnel have helped in successful completion of the Project. We hope to add value to the society with our growing business.”

The Pentha Project is a sea wall embankment, initiated by the Water Resources Department of Odisha and Design & Project Management Consultancy by IIT Madras, using Geotextile tubes at Pentha, Odisha. Pentha is a small sea shore hamlet in the Kendrapara District of Odisha State, India. The objective of the project was to protect the existing embankment, immediate cultivable land of around 6000 hectares, habitation of Pentha and the adjoining villages, from wave action, and to study the performance of geo-tube embankment including instrumentation to measure performance under field condition after installation. The protection structure has been provided for a stretch of 455 m.

Geotextile tubes offer ideal erosion mitigation solution as they are environment friendly and flexible with the nature. GTFL’s primary vision is the welfare of the people and safety of the environment. A wholesome amount of $4.6 million was funded by World Bank through MOEF, Govt of India under Integrated Coastal Zone Management Project (ICZMP) after the social impact study contested by NGOs. The project is a success as the primary objective of shore protection and beach restoration has been achieved along with restoration of the beach front and a beneficial social impact to the residents of the Pentha village. The life of the geosynthetics tubes depends on its exposure to UV radiation. In this case the geosynthetics tubes are covered with gabions and are not likely to be exposed to UV radiation.

Garware Technical Fibres (formerly Garware-Wall Ropes), an ISO 14001:2015 and ISO 9001:2015 certified company is a leading player in technical textiles specialising in providing customised solutions to its customers worldwide. Globally, the company is known for its applied innovation in the field of sports, fisheries, aquaculture, shipping, agriculture, coated fabrics and geosynthetics. The company`s products are manufactured in state-of-art facilities at Wai and Pune and marketed in more than 75 countries.