Ministers Roshi Augustine and P Rajeev visit Chellanam to announce the project
Kochi: Minister of Water Resources Roshy Augustine announced the Chellanam Coastal Protection Project. The Minister announced Rs 344.2 crore for the protection of the coast using tetrapods.
'Chellanam residents are the first to flee their homes whenever low pressure area and cyclone forms in the sea. A permanent solution is needed in this area as no temporary solutions are possible. The government is planning to implement a scheme in such a way that the residents will not have to be relocated due to adverse weather conditions.The government has sanctioned `Rs 1500 crore for the first phase of the project. The tender process will start by September 15, ”said Minister Roshy Augustine.
The minister announced the project at a function held in Chellanam Bazaar on Monday.
With this, the locals and the government are hoping that the ongoing problems in the area will be resolved.
The coastal protection project is conceived with the help of modern technology based on a study conducted by Chennai-based National Centre for Coastal Research. A study on coastal areas across the state has identified 10 hotspots facing severe coastal erosion. Of these hotspots, priority is given to Chellanam coast. In addition to protecting the coast with tetrapods, activities using the geotubes are also being implemented in the area.
The first phase is the rehabilitation of the sea wall near the harbour in Chellanam panchayath and the construction of a 1.90 km tetrapod at the Bazaar Kannamali area.
The first phase of construction will begin on ten hotspots facing the severe tidal wave attack. Rs 5300 crore will be fully utilized within five years for coastal protection. A tourism centre will be established in Chellanam with the collaboration of the Department of Tourism. The Minister said that the Irrigation Department has started the process of establishing dam centred tourism centres.
The government has earmarked Rs 5300 crore for coastal protection activities across the state. The Irrigation Department, with the help of KIIFB, has approved a project of Rs 344.2 crores to set up tetrapods at Chellanam. The project aims to solve the problem of tidal wave attacks and make Chellanam a model fishing village. Interestingly, Chellanam is selected for Kerala's first fish village project.
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