Kozhikode: The coastal road, which connects Koyilandy to the popular tourist destination, Kappad, caved in on Saturday night due to sea erosion. The incident occurred when road development works were in progress at another stretch. The sea wall in the area too fell to the attacking waves, which are very strong in the past four days. The locals have become vulnerable now that there is no protection between their homes and the sea, and the waves could pound their buildings any time.
“Our concern is to immediately protect the life and property of citizens who live at the sea shore,” said Koyilandy Tahsildar, P. Aravindakshan.
The harbour engineering department has been developing the Koyilandy-Kappad road at an estimated cost of Rs eight crore. Now, the department needs additional funds to tide over the crisis.The department has to re-build the destroyed stretch and the sea wall too. “We are already facing a paucity of funds and non-availability of soil and boulders. The sea erosion has worsened the situation. We are approaching the National bank for agriculture and rural development (NABARD) to allot funds,” said a Supervisor in the harbour engineering department.
The sea’s fury uprooted many trees at the shore in Thoovappara here last week. The petty shops and makeshift tents have been demolished due to the threat.
Meanwhile, the arrival of the monsoon and the damaged roads are weaning away many visitors. On Sunday, the Kappad shore wore a desolate look, a drastic change from the usual scene of a beach brimming with visitors.
