Kerala CM Promises Urgent Action on Sea Incursion Crisis from Kannamali to Fort Kochi

Kochi, Kerala, June 28, 2025 - Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has pledged swift action to tackle the escalating crisis of sea incursion and flooding along the coastal stretch from Kannamali Puthanthodu to INS Dronacharya in Fort Kochi, under Chellanam Panchayat.

The assurance came during a meeting with representatives of Care Chellanam–Kochi, an initiative of the Kerala Region Latin Catholic Council (KRLCC), who pressed the government to expedite completion of a tetrapod sea wall in the vulnerable coastal zone.

The state government had earlier sanctioned Rs 344 crore for building a 12-kilometre-long tetrapod sea wall extending from Chellanam Mini Fishing Harbour to Cheriyakadu, forming the first phase of a planned 17-kilometre coastal defence project. However, only 7.3 kilometres—from Chellanam to Kannamali Puthanthodu—have been completed to date. Unprotected stretches remain highly vulnerable, experiencing severe sea incursion and significant property damage, with existing sea defences collapsing in several areas.

During the meeting, the KRLCC delegation urged the Chief Minister to:

• - Allocate the funds needed to complete the first phase of the sea wall from Puthanthodu to Cheriyakadu as a priority.

• - Grant administrative approval and begin the second phase of construction from Cheriyakadu to Beach Road.

• - Ensure the timely building of groynes planned under the first phase.

• - Use silt from nearby backwaters for shore nourishment.

• - Remove blockages from the Vijayam Canal and its feeder canals to reduce flooding risks.

• - Install robust temporary barriers in high-risk areas.

• - Provide safe housing and fair compensation for residents whose homes have become uninhabitable due to sea erosion.

The delegation included Fr Jiju George Arakkathara, Joseph Jude, Advocate Sherry J. Thomas (KLCA President), and CARE Chellanam-Kochi members Fr Dr Johnny Xavier Puthukattu, Fr Solomon Charangattu, Fr Johnson Puthenveetil, Fr Antony Kuzhiveli, Sophie Raju, and Matilda Michael. They were joined by Kochi MLA K. J. Maxi.

This intervention aims to safeguard thousands of residents whose lives, homes, and livelihoods are under threat along Kerala’s increasingly fragile coastline.

By Joseph Jude

KRLCC Spokesperson