2 days ago
Over Rs 1 crore allocated for geobag installation at Chellanam
Kochi: A meeting convened by district collector NSK Umesh to discuss sea erosion issue in Chellanam coastal area, decided to create temporary protection wall by placing geobags in Kannamaly, Cheriyakadavu and Kattiparambu in Chellanam panchayat.
For this purpose, Rs 1.25 crore has been allocated from Kerala state disaster management fund. Temporary safety measures will be implemented by installing sand-filled geobags in seven locations from Kannamaly to Manassery, where sea ingress is severe. Collector has instructed that the work should commence immediately. In four critically affected areas, work will start before Tuesday.
Thursday's meeting was attended by officials from irrigation department, Chellanam panchayat authorities and local level action council.
The council had approached court seeking a solution for sea surge in the area. It was decided to increase the number of units manufacturing geobags to be laid in the area.
However, Chellanam-Kochi Janakeeya Vedi expressed strong protest over the decision, stating that temporary barriers made of geobags are insufficient to prevent sea erosion in Chellanam. The organization demanded construction of tetrapod sea walls and breakwater structures north of Puthenthodu to protect beaches in the area.
by Taboola
by Taboola
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"As a temporary measure, geobags are going to be installed over a 961-m stretch from north of Puthenthodu beach to Moorthy Ambalam. However, this is entirely inadequate," said Janakeeya Vedi convener V T Sebastian. Representatives of the organization staged a protest at the meeting, alleging delay in preventive measures.
"While constructing geobag barriers, do not exclude areas due to opposition of a section of people.
Steps should be taken to obtain funds from Cochin Port for coastal protection. Identify weak areas and prepare an action plan, as installation of geobags in northern areas would worsen the situation. Complete construction of tetrapod sea structures north of Puthenthodu as a long-term solution as soon as possible.
Immediate measures should be taken to protect seven houses at Cheriya Kadavu," demanded the Janakeeya Vedi.
In 2023-24, geobag barriers were constructed over 485m in Chellanam at a cost of Rs 65.2 lakh. In 2024-25, this was extended to 591m at a cost of Rs 69.59 lakh. By 2025-26, it will be further extended to 961m at a cost of Rs 125.9 lakh. The cost would further escalate next year, said the Janakeeya Vedi.
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