The Latin Archdiocese of Thiruvananthapuram on Friday accused Ministers and officials of adopting a negligent attitude towards finding a lasting solution to coastal erosion in Thiruvananthapuram district.
Speaking to reporters after visiting the affected areas in Valiyathura, Kochuthope and Thope and the relief camps, Archbishop M. Soosa Pakiam warned the government not to test the patience of the fishermen community.
“Serious, sincere efforts are needed to address the problem. We do not question anyone’s sincerity. But concerted efforts are needed to find a lasting solution,” he said.
Although a petition was given to the Chief Minister in April 2018, and to the Fisheries, Revenue and Irrigation ministers in June 2018, January 2019 and February 2019, no steps have been taken to protect the coast, the houses and livelihood of the coastal communities despite promises that seawalls would be built, he said.
“Thirty houses have been destroyed since April-end, and 80 more are under threat. We do not know what reply to give the families who have been forced to move to the relief camps,” Archbishop Soosa Pakiam said.
The Archdiocese blamed the land reclamation and seawall construction for the Vizhinjam International Seaport project for exacerbating coastal erosion. It urged the government to urgently construct seawalls to protect Panathura, Poonthura, Beemapally, Cheriyathura, Valiyathura, Thope and Kochuthope.
The Archdiocese has also urged the government to implement the rehabilitation package that was announced in connection with the Vizhinjam port project. “Out of the ₹475 crore package, ₹300 crore was earmarked for coastal protection and rehabilitation purposes. But no money has been spent so far,” alleged Fr Eugene H. Pereira, former vicar general of the Archdiocese.
Vicar General Monsignor C. Joseph and other senior clergy accompanied the Archbishop on his visit.
