Kochi: Coastal residents in Kerala took to protesting and blocking the Edavanakkad-Vypin-Pallipuram State Highway following restrictions on house construction permits in Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) areas even after amendments by the Union Ministry of Environment were put forth. The coastal residents' strike demands immediate action due to their inability to build or renovate houses.

Around 60 people from 120 families participated in the strike, demanding immediate action to address their housing concerns. Police arrested protesters who blocked the State Highway.

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Under the LIFE plan, coastal residents are eligible for certain benefits, but strict regulations, especially in CRZ 3B zones like Edavanakkad, prohibit construction within 200 metres of the beach and restrict building near shrimp ponds to within 50 metres. The rules vary across different panchayats, causing confusion and frustration among residents.

Coastal protection rules are uniform nationwide. However, the unique situation in Kerala is often overlooked, and authorities fail to show due diligence in addressing certain legal irregularities. As a result, many residents find themselves unable to fulfil the basic need of building or renovating their homes in their own communities.