Heavy rain and sea erosion threaten lives, livelihoods along Kasaragod coast

The Hindu

06-07-2025

The relentless heavy rain and turbulent sea waves have wreaked havoc along the 87.65 km stretch of the Kasaragod coast from Manjeswaram to Valiyaparamba, posing a grave threat to homes, livelihoods and infrastructure.
With sea walls breached and waves advancing up to 300 meters inland in some places, coastal residents and fishermen are in a state of deep distress.
The coastal region, already reeling from the annual trawling ban and long-standing sea erosion, is now grappling with intensified monsoon fury. Long-standing sea walls, both scientifically and unscientifically built, have failed to withstand the force of the waves. The remaining 10 km stretch of sea walls is also on the verge of collapse, officials said.
'Even the geobag wall constructed three years ago at Cherangai has started giving way. If this continues, hundreds of families will have to be relocated,' said a resident. In several regions like Cherangai, waves have breached barriers and crashed into homes, despite efforts by locals to shore up defences using temporary materials.
Moidheen, a resident of Manjeswaram, who lost his property during a sea incursion last year, said there is no relief for people living in the coastal region. 'Every year, the seawater is taking away the land and properties in the coastal region here. However, there has been no proper relief or help from the authorities,' he rues.
According to the Meteorological department, low-pressure formations over the sea are contributing to the continued wave surges. Coastal areas, including Kanvatheertha, Uppala, Berika, Musodi, Arikkadi Kadavath, Kumbala, Koippadi, Mogral and Bekal, have all reported dangerous sea incursion and erosion.
In response, the District Collector has placed departments, including Irrigation, Revenue, Disaster Management, Fire and Rescue Services and Local Self-Governments, on high alert. Emergency monitoring is under way across vulnerable stretches as Koppalam, Keezhoor, Chembarika and Thrikannad.
Hazard Analyst P.V. Shilpa said that sea incursion is being reported everywhere in the coastal region. However, it is generally reported every monsoon. There is no threat to people and properties, except in Pallikara in Hosdurg taluk, where reports of water entering the houses in Tsunami colony have been reported. A report will be submitted in this regard soon, she added.
The Irrigation department has submitted a proposal to the State government for the construction of scientifically designed tetrapod sea walls, following long-standing demands from residents, fishermen and voluntary organisations.
Previously, funding for sea wall construction was made available through Central Coastal protection schemes under the Finance Commission. However, with the dissolution of the Commission, the financial burden now lies with the State government, raising concerns among residents about the feasibility of the proposed protection projects amid the ongoing fiscal crisis.