Though 90% work of Phase-1 multi-crore tetrapod seawall and groyne project at Chellanam has been completed, the Phase-2 envisaged between Puthenthode beach and Cheriyakadavu is yet to be even tendered, making many places along the coast vulnerable to sea erosion. Places like Kannamaly, Cheriyakadavu and Manasserry are most vulnerable to sea erosion and residents demand fast implementation of the project.
The Phase-2 includes renovation of 3.36km seawall between Puthenthode and CMS Bridge using tetrapod and construction of nine groynes along 1.2km at Puthenthode. In addition, a 9.5-km-long walkway along the coast is planned. The estimated cost is around Rs 320 crore. The project area covers places vulnerable to sea erosion. There are nine groynes made of tetrapods and seven of them will be T-shaped.
When the southwest monsoon was at its peak, Kannamaly coast saw severe sea erosion that affected more than 150 families and damaged around three houses. Many houses are yet to recover from the impact of sea erosion as heaps of sand and silt accumulated in many houses, clogging drains and toilets. Electronic appliances too were damaged in some houses. The situation is expected to be worse if rain strengthens again.
The residents of Kannamaly have started an indefinite protest by setting up temporary sheds along the Alappuzha-Kochi coastal main road seeking immediate construction of seawall.
“We don’t want to go back to camps when sea erosion begins. Geobags have proven futile in combating strong waves. The collector has assured us to do the needful. We want Phase-2 works to begin soon,” said Kannamaly resident Shaji Pollayil.