Cracks develop on berth under construction in Vizhinjam
The berth is being built by the Harbour Engineering Department at an estimated cost of ₹60 lakh.
The berth is being built by the Harbour Engineering Department at an estimated cost of ₹60 lakh.
The berth is being built by the Harbour Engineering Department at an estimated cost of ₹60 lakh.
Thiruvananthapuram: A boat berth under construction for the Coastal Police Station at Vizhinjam has sustained structural damage, raising serious concerns about its stability and the strength of its foundation. The berth, being built by the Harbour Engineering Department at an estimated cost of ₹60 lakh using funds from both the Central and State governments, has developed visible cracks on its surface, with one section now noticeably tilting towards the sea.
The structure, reportedly constructed by laying large concrete blocks over a granite base, is believed to have been compromised either due to erosion of the soil beneath the foundation from wave action or displacement of the concrete blocks. With the southwest monsoon intensifying, fears have grown that the entire structure may collapse if wave activity increases.
Experts have criticised the decision to undertake such construction without a deep foundation in a high-wave zone like Vizhinjam. They are calling for future projects in similar locations to be built using concrete piles or pillars instead of the current method.
The berth is located directly in front of the Vizhinjam Coastal Police Station and has been under construction for the past three months. Measuring six metres in length and twelve metres in width, the damage occurred just as the project was nearing completion, with final works such as the installation of side handrails about to begin.
The lack of a proper boat berth has long been a major shortcoming of the police station, which was inaugurated in 2010. Although the Centre approved a ₹50-lakh project for the berth two years ago, it was stalled due to a lack of interested contractors. The current project was revived with an additional ₹10 lakh contribution from the State Government.
Repairs set to begin
Officials from the Harbour Engineering Department have assessed the damage and attributed it to the impact of strong monsoon waves. They assured that immediate steps will be taken to strengthen the foundation and restore the structure’s integrity.