Sand from turbulent sea blankets Andathodu-Periambalam link road in Thrissur

Punnayoorkulam: The Andathodu – Periambalam link road has been covered in sand after the beach was battered by the turbulent sea. The road that was constructed a few months ago by spending more than ₹1 crore now looks like a sprawling beach. Vehicles too can’t enter the road as it has turned muddy. 

In the 600-metre-long brand-new road, only a short stretch at Arappa bridge isn’t covered in sand. The sand was washed into the road on the days when the sea got turbulent. The road, protective wall and the walkway have been completely covered in sand. Currently, the road is only 20 metres away from the sea. Meanwhile, the coconut trees on the beach that are supposed to act as protective walls too are on the verge of danger. A few casuarina trees on the beach were washed away by the sea some time ago. The local residents say that vehicles could use the road only if the sand is removed. The road is built 50 metres away from the coast. Meanwhile, the protective walls on both sides of the road are built using rocks with belt concreting on the top. Mettle was spread on the road over two years ago, while the tarring was done only in February this year. 

People have been regularly complaining about tarring getting delayed. Passengers travelling through this road could catch fabulous views of the sea. The Harbour Engineering Fisheries department has allotted ₹1.47 crore in 2020 for the road. Although walkway paved with interlock bricks, lampposts, benches at every 25 metres, tents and open gym were envisaged as part of the project, they aren’t built yet.