Sea just six metres from State Highway: Coastal residents in Kasaragod to march in protest

Kottikkulam: With the sea now barely six metres away from the State Highway near Thrikkannadu, local residents are growing increasingly anxious even as authorities remain unresponsive. Despite repeated protests and meetings with officials, no lasting solution has emerged.

Members of the Kurumba Bhagavathy Temple committee have taken it upon themselves to protect key areas near the Thrikkannadu coastline, including places of worship visited by thousands for Bali tharpan (paying obeisance). In the absence of official action, they are unloading granite blocks at their own expense to guard against further destruction.

A protest march led by coastal residents is set to take place today, from the Kurumba Bhagavathy Temple to the Uduma panchayat office in Palakkunnu. The march will include participation from various political parties and members of the public.

Relentless destruction
The situation worsened on Sunday, when waves breached the southwestern walls of the Kodungalloor Bhagavathy Mandapam, situated west of the Thrikkannadu Temple. The sea incursion damaged the interior, forcing the removal of the Devi’s granite idol. Nearby, yet another room of the already crumbling Kurumba Bhagavathy Temple collapsed.

In the 5-metre stretch between the Kodungalloor Mandapam and the adjacent bus shelter, the sea surged up to 3 metres high, hollowing out the foundation. Locals fear that the high-mast light west of the bus shelter could collapse at any time, a concern they had raised with authorities weeks ago, but to no avail.

Estimates ready, action missing
An estimate of Rs. 22 lakh was prepared a week ago to lay granite over a 60-metre stretch to protect the Kodungalloor Mandapam. However, officials now claim that no contractors are willing to take up the work, stalling the project.

Meanwhile, the Pallivetta Mandapam of the Thrikkannadu Thrayambakeshwara Temple is also at serious risk. A proposal to build a 60-metre geobag-based seawall has been awaiting approval for over three months.