The ‘Theera Samrakshana Samithi’ has petitioned Chief Minister Oommen Chandy against the government move to construct a seawall at Valiaveli.
A press note issued here said the construction of the proposed 2-km-long seawall would adversely impact the livelihood of numerous fishermen in the area. The seawall would hinder the launch and docking of fishing boats and would prevent the casting of nets from the shore. The catch from this area was estimated at Rs.7 crore annually, the press note said.
Further, the construction of the seawall would also contribute to the destruction of the beach, as evidenced from the construction of similar walls at Panathura, Poonthura, Beemapally, Cheriathura, and Thazhampalli. The Valiaveli beach was now protected from sea surges by its sand bars. This was what was being sought to be destroyed by some officials under the guise of constructing a seawall, the statement said.
The government should abandon the move to cut a canal to let waste material from the city to flow into the sea, the press note added.
