Coastal areas in Kozhikode under sea erosion threat

The District Disaster Management Authority on Wednesday stepped up surveillance measures along the coastline of Kozhikode district as several fishermen families complained of increasing sea erosion threat.

Revenue department sources said the worst-hit were those living on the coastline of Vadakara, where the construction of sea wall had been pending for years on several vulnerable stretches.

Some of the worst-affected families were asked to vacate their houses on Wednesday following the visit of local administrators to the affected areas. Officials said relief camps would be opened in case of any emergency situation.

“Several houses are on the verge of destruction near the Vadakara sand banks and Puramkara areas. The issue will worsen as long as we delay the construction of sea walls,” said V. Muneer, a local resident. He alleged that the rehabilitation measures offered by the State government under ‘Punargeham’ project had failed to win the confidence of coastal people.

Following the rough weather alert by the Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services, the entry of tourists to vulnerable coastal areas was restricted. Fishermen who venture into the sea on country boats were also asked to be vigilant against the rough sea and high waves.

As part of the heightened vigil, Fisheries department officials asked boat owners, especially those from the Chombala harbour, to review the safety of fishing boats anchored at various harbours. They were also urged to ensure a safe distance between all anchored boats and avoid chances of collision during high waves.

Revenue department officials said no major rain-related calamities were reported in the district on Wednesday. They said all the rescue forces, including the community rescue volunteers in villages and urban areas, were remaining alert to handle emergency situations.    

Meanwhile, the death of a 46-year-old man after accidentally slipping into an open drain at Thadambattuthazham in Kozhikode city on Tuesday sparked wide public protest. The protesters alleged that the drain constructed about 25 years ago was continuing to be a death trap in the area. The body of the victim, identified as Shameer, was recovered with the support of the National Disaster Response Force.