Kerala has launched the second phase of the Rs 464-crore Chellanam coastal protection project, covering 6.1km of shoreline and adding sea walls, groynes, an RCC walkway, utility relocation and electrification works in the erosion-hit coastal region near Kochi.
Water Resources Minister Mons Joseph launched the phase on Saturday and said the government would ensure that construction was completed on time, without corruption or negligence. The project is intended to provide a permanent response to Chellanam’s long-running battle with severe sea erosion, which has repeatedly affected homes and residents during the monsoon.
Joseph said the newly formed UDF government had prioritised Chellanam’s sea erosion problem during its first cabinet meeting. The government also focused on drinking water shortages in Kochi, according to the minister. He credited Chief Minister V D Satheesan with resolving administrative bottlenecks that had delayed the second phase of the coastal protection project.
The works will be executed by the Kerala Irrigation Infrastructure Development Corporation. The scope includes rebuilding damaged portions of the existing sea wall and constructing groynes at Bazaar. Groynes are shoreline structures designed to influence the movement of sand and help protect coastal stretches from erosion. The project will also include an RCC walkway, relocation of utilities and installation of electrification infrastructure.
Fisheries Minister V E Abdul Ghaboor referred to the long-standing difficulties faced by Chellanam residents, including homes being flooded during every monsoon. He acknowledged the role of local organisations and church leaders in campaigning for the sea wall and raising the area’s coastal protection needs.
Minister Roji M John said the use of tetrapods in the sea wall construction reflected the government’s long-term commitment to coastal safety rather than an election-related measure. Tetrapods are concrete armour units placed along vulnerable shorelines to reduce the force of waves and protect coastal structures.
The second phase follows earlier delays linked to administrative bottlenecks, although the supplied report does not specify the revised completion schedule or the phase-wise cost allocation. The government’s stated next step is to proceed with construction across the 6.1km stretch, including the damaged sea-wall sections, Bazaar groynes, walkway, utility relocation and electrification works.
