Erosion stalks Kollam coast
Coastal roads are also in a dilapidated condition due to huge waves and tides
KOLLAM: The people living along the coastline of Kollam are scared of the monsoon due to the threat of sea erosion. The coastal area stretching over 37 km from Paravoor to Azheekkal is vulnerable and several houses in Chavara and Thangasseri were destroyed recently.
A report submitted by an expert team from IIT Chennai pointed out that the construction of breakwaters intermittently along the affected areas would curb sea erosion more effectively than sea walls. An experimental construction on the north of Alappad panchayat by the team had proved to be successful.
The areas covered by breakwater tend to develop new soil deposits which will counter sea erosion. However, no follow-up action has been taken.
Coastal roads are also in a dilapidated condition due to huge waves and tides. The government had sanctioned '1.8 crore for the construction of sea wall from Kakkathoppe to
Thanni, but the work has reac-hed nowhere, say residents. “The authorities are waiting for ‘emergency works’ from which they will benefit. During such times, unaccounted money is spent in the name of depositing rocks in the seabed. Manipulations are made in the accounts as the number of loads deposited in the water cannot be scrutinised,” alleged Subhash Kalavara, sea wall and breakwater workers’ union president.
Meanwhile, contractors are also reluctant to take up work due to the delay in sanctioning of funds. The maintenance work of the existing sea wall also has been halted. Mayyanadu, Iravipuram, Kakkathoppe, and Chavara, notorious for sea fury, also lack proper protective walls.