More than 10 houses were partially damaged in sea erosion during the last three days on south beach, doubling concerns of financially poor fishermen families.
Residents said the threat of further sea erosion still persisted in the area, as the height of the seawall near their houses was inadequate to meet the challenge. According to them, unexpected tidal fluctuations have already wiped out a huge quantity of soil from the coastal area, affecting the safety of several houses.
Though some people’s representatives visited the vulnerable areas and promised support, the families are yet to get any interim relief to tide over the crisis. Similarly, they have not received the benefits of the free rationing scheme, which was announced by the Fisheries Department.
“At least Rs.12 lakh is required to repair the 10 houses that were partly damaged in the recent sea erosion. We have placed our request before the city corporation authorities,” a fisherman said, adding that the support of the local MLA would be sought to sanction an interim relief.
Project awaits approval
C. Abdurahiman, a councillor representing the coastal areas of the corporation, said the issue would be addressed once the Rs.1-crore sea wall project proposed by the civic body got the Centre’s approval. “Though we are willing to shift people living in highly vulnerable areas to safer locations, they are not ready to cooperate,” he claimed.
Meantime, Revenue Department sources said compensation would be granted to all eligible fishermen in accordance with government rules.
Arrangements will also be made to provide them a proper rehabilitation if they are willing to move out of the affected areas, they added.
