Gaps in fragile seawall of Panathura-Poonthura-Beemapally to be plugged

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The gaps on the highly fragile seawall section of Panathura-Poonthura-Beemapally areas will be plugged with groyne fields before the next monsoon although there is widespread pessimism about the project, officials said.

A section of fishermen welfare organisations deemed the groyne field designed by IIT-Madras as unscientific, pointing to past experiences of erosion of groynes.

However, the local fishermen community, wary of displacement from near the coast, have supported the installation of new groyne fields.

Administrative sanction has been secured for six groyne fields from Beemapally. The gaps in seawall or groyne structures between Naduthura-Periyamuttam, Periyamuttam edge, Mazhuvattom also will be covered. Each of the new groyne fields can help prevent erosion in over 1km.

“The problem is acute around Naduthura church. Luckily, the attack of waves and erosion was lesser during this monsoon and hence many houses were saved. We are told about the six groynes but if it does not come before the monsoon next time, many houses will be washed away,” said Poonthura councilor Sherley.

As per an Irrigation department Chief Engineer, the technical sanction will be ready and tenders can be floated in two-three months.

Swathanthra Matsya Thozhilali Federation convenor T Peter says the groyne field project which is based on some old studies by the Indian Institute of Technology Madras and Centre for Earth Studies has already proved to be a disaster.

“Shangumughom beach will be lost if we go ahead with new groyne fields at Beemapally and Valiyathura because the nearest beach always gets eroded when a groyne field comes up near it. Complete rehabilitation of fisherman is a cheaper and smarter option as crores of rupees are needed for each groyne field. Sea erosion cannot be prevented with stones and fishermen will be unable to launch their boats into the sea without beaches,” Mr Peter said.