Kerala Latin Catholic Council Welcomes Resumption of Seawall Construction on Chellanam Coast

Aluva, Kerala, July 3, 2025: The Kerala Regional Latin Catholic Council (KRLCC) on Wednesday hailed the decision of the Kerala state government to resume construction of the seawall from Kannamaly Puthenthode to INS Dronacharya in Fort Kochi. The council made this statement in a press note issued on July 2 by KRLCC spokesperson Joseph Jude.

The Kerala state government decided to resume work on the project after a massive protest in Chellanam on June 20, where over 10,000 people gathered. Among the demonstrators were more than 100 Catholic priests from the dioceses of Kochi and Alleppey, all urging immediate action to protect coastal communities threatened by rising sea levels and frequent flooding.

The KRLCC press note stated that the decision to resume construction of the project is "a matter of great relief" for the residents of the Chellanam Panchayat area. Residents living under the jurisdiction of Chellaman Panchayat have faced significant inconvenience due to repeated sea incursions over the past several years.

The seawall project, aimed at curbing severe sea erosion and safeguarding vulnerable coastal communities, was initiated following years of persistent public demand. 

In its press statement, the KRLCC thanked Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and the state government for addressing the long-standing demand of coastal residents. The Council also urged the government to urgently allocate additional funds to fast-track the construction work, given the severe inconvenience recurring sea incursions have caused in the region.

The total coastline in question spans 17 kilometres, with the first phase—stretching 7.3 kilometres from Chellanam Mini Fishing Harbour to Kannamaly Puthenthode—already completed at a cost of ₹344 crore. However, the remaining stretch north of Puthenthode continues to face severe damage or a complete absence of protective seawall structures.

Areas north of Puthenthode, such as Kannamaly, Companypady, Cheriyakadavu, Kattiparambu, Manassery, and Saudi, have seen the sea intrude into residential areas, especially after the collapse of earlier seawall sections this year. Residents remain exposed to continuous coastal erosion and property loss.

The KRLCC stressed in its press note the urgent need to complete both the sea walls and groynes (rock barriers) on time. It also urged authorities to undertake coastal nourishment to protect and strengthen the existing structures of the project. It warned that failing to do so could compromise even the newly built portions.

The Council also urged the government to expedite environmental clearances for the Cochin Port to facilitate the nourishment process. It insisted that the Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) used during the first phase of the seawall's construction must continue operations until the entire project—from Puthenthode to INS Dronacharya—is completed.

By Catholic Connect Reporter