Valiyathura Pier in bad condition

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Will the Valiyathura Pier survive the high wave phenomenon during Karkidakam? This has been a concern raised by many in the coastal hamlets ever since the waves nearly disconnected it from the mainland. The land that joins the pier was getting eroded from beneath due to tidal activities in May. This was expected to peak from mid-May. Officials' intervention on the pier was cosmetic including a new gate and hand rails.

“There has not been even a comprehensive study on the capacity of the pier to withstand tidal activity. Fishers and the local community had given various proposals, but nothing realised. It might soon get disconnected from the land,” said PS Gopakumar, a tuition teacher and SUCI activist. “Fishermen also want the government to build a slanted ramp on the seaward edges of the pier to help launch catamarans.”

As per harbour engineering wing officials around Rs 70 lakh has been allotted by the government for reinforcement works. However, activists believe that this was too minuscule an amount to repair this landmark of the city. “Pillars located deep in the sea have become thinner due to years-long tidal activity. The bridge still shakes and all they added load on it with new constructions,” said Gilbert Anthony, a resident.

Harbour officials say a separate expression of interest will be floated for new works as they do not have the expertise to reinforce underwater parts of pillars. The last time the pier was repaired was in 2007 when the then fisheries minister S. Sarma allotted Rs 2.5 lakh. The pier was declared dangerous by district administration last year. Around three-fourths of the 214-metre structure stood in the water during most times of the year. The existing one with 127 concrete piles was built in 1948 after a ship damaged the centuries old structure which existed here even before 1800.