The Kerala High Court has directed the Additional Chief Secretary, Water Resources department, to take necessary steps to ensure that no damage to life or property occurs due to the absence of adequate strengthening or protective structures/mechanisms for the residents of Edavanakkad grama panchayath in Ernakulam district.
This followed a plea by residents of the area who pointed out that the panchayat has a coastal shore of approximately 2.4 kms, which is vulnerable to sea and soil erosion. They demanded urgent steps to construct a seawall to protect the coast.
The District Collector had submitted an affidavit on 29 October, stating that the Vypin Island (where the grama panchayat is located) is a narrow stretch of land with the Arabian Sea on the west and the backwaters on the east. Its coastal length of about 22.7 km was earlier protected by seawalls. Over time, strong waves and ‘underscouring’ caused portions of these seawalls to collapse, allowing seawater to enter residential areas even during moderate sea attacks. The affidavit further said that the most vulnerable areas fell within the Edavanakkad and Nayarambalam panchayats.
The HC hoped that at least now the steps will be taken with the seriousness and urgency that the situation deserved.
Published – December 01, 2025 10:53 pm IST
