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Anti-sea erosion works in Kanyakumari dt. to be completed by Nov.

By J. V. Siva Prasanna Kumar

NAGERCOIL JUNE 27. The work to prevent intrusion of seawater into fishing habitations and also arrest erosion by constructing the rubble mound sea walls is apace in Kanyakumari district and the work would be completed by November.

The west coast side of the district, which abounds in fishing villages, is the most vulnerable zone prone to erosion and the maximum damage to houses and property annually occurs during the southwest monsoon.

Fishermen dread to even leave their catamarans on the shore and the mechanised boat owners move either to the Chinna Muttom fishing harbour on the east coast side near Kanyakumari or migrate to Kerala in search of shelter for the crafts. Notwithstanding, the corrosive breeze that eats into the structures on the coastal areas, the caustic Arabian Sea lashes anything that comes in it's way and the fisherfolk live in a perennial threat.

Arogiapuram, Kovalam, Periakadu, Simon Colony, Vaniakudy, Kurumpanai and East Eniam are among the worst-affected areas and the Public Works department has proposed to construct groin on the shore to fortify the coastal habitations from the sea. According to the PWD Executive Engineer (Water Resources Organisation), A. David Mariakan, the rubble mound sea walls being constructed in more than 22 places were under various stages and the works have been undertaken following plea from fishermen.

The feasibility studies were conducted by the Indian Institute of Technology, Chennai, and works executed on a priority basis. Mr. Mariakan told The Hindu here today that the work to construct the groins would be taken up in November after the RMS walls were constructed. A unique feature of the construction was that the geo-textile cloth will be spread and gabion box kept on it to prevent the binding material being corroded. The structure also ensures the sand on the shore was not washed away. It had been proposed to construct groins on Ratchagar Street in Kanyakumari, Kodymunai, Kezhamidalam, Chinnathruai and Marthandamthurai.

The Housing and Urban Development Corporation had extended assistance to the tune of Rs.36.47 crores to the Public Works department for executing anti-sea erosion works.

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