Protecting Chellanam: The ₹404 Crore Plan to Beat Sea Erosion

The Kerala government has given in-principle approval for the second phase of the Chellanam seawall project, aimed at strengthening coastal protection against recurring sea erosion and flooding.

The proposed phase will cover a 6.1-km stretch and is estimated to cost ₹404 crore, with funding to be routed through the Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board (KIIFB). Implementation of the project will be handled by the Kerala Irrigation Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (KIIDCL). While the decision has been welcomed by Chellanam Janakeeya Vedhi, the group has expressed concern over the omission of key components from the original plan, including nine groyne fields, and has urged the government to complete the work ahead of the upcoming monsoon season.

The first phase of the seawall, spanning 7.3 km from Chellanam to Puthenthode, was completed in 2023 at a cost of ₹347 crore.

News by Rahul Yelligetti.