Coastal road near Kappad damaged in sea erosion
Disrupting vehicular movement, nearly a one-kilometre stretch of the road leading to the Blue Flag-certified Kappad beach now remains damaged due to the ongoing sea surge.
Families of fishermen along the coastal area complain that they are living in fear now with the worsening weather conditions and failed protective measures. Many who regularly used the coastal road for their daily commute between Kappad and Koyilandy harbour are now forced to rely on longer alternative routes, they say.
A section of the local tourism facility operators along the coastal area has also been dragged into a crisis with the disrupted road connectivity. They say many are in a situation to leave the business or relocate to other places following safety concerns.
'It is impossible to protect this coastal road without a stronger seawall, built after scientifically assessing the nature of the surge and the character of the coastline. The Tourism department has a greater responsibility to push for further action,' says P. Mohammed, a local tourism entrepreneur. He points out that further delay will negatively impact the tourism prospects of the entire destination.
Though the State government has recently sanctioned ₹12 crore for the seawall construction in the worst-affected area, the work is likely to be delayed further due to the destroyed road connectivity. Local administrators also feel that the sanctioned amount may not be sufficient to cover the actual requirements, including road renovation.
'Constructing a long seawall to cover all affected areas between Kappad and Koyilandy harbour is hardly a viable solution, considering the risky terrain. We believe that the speedy completion of the proposed coastal highway is the most practical solution,' says Chemanchery grama panchayat president Sathi Kizhakkayil. She adds that the dangerous sea surges every year make it difficult to propose any expensive road renovation projects.
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