Residents of the coastal area between Chellanam and Fort Kochi blockaded the Mattancherry BOT Bridge on Friday demanding breakwaters along this stretch to prevent sea erosion and save coastal homes.
The blockade, organised by Kerala Swathanthra Matsyathozhilali Federation, disrupted traffic on the bridge and link roads for about an hour starting from 11 a.m. Traffic was diverted to prevent further congestion and the police have registered cases against 150 people and members of the Federation. Police sources said that there is a High Court directive against assembly in public places.
District Secretary of the Federation N. J. Antony said in a press release here that the people were forced to blockade the road because the authorities concerned had not paid heed to their appeal for building the breakwaters which can save many coastal homes along this belt.
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Around 1,000 homes had been partially damaged in sea erosion along the 17-km stretch between Chellanam and Fort Kochi, he said.
Hundreds of people, who arrived for the protest, assembled at the BSNL office and marched to the bridge. The blockade was inaugurated by Mahilavedi President Magleen Peter, the press release said.