Muthalapozhi harbour in TVM turns into dangerous trap after sand removal stops

Chirayinkeezhu: The authorities continue their apathy towards the demand to remove sand from the edge of the estuary that has become an extremely dangerous spot in the Anchuthengu Muthalapozhi fishing harbour. Widespread protests have been staged in the area after boats were capsized and two fishermen died here.

The Chandragiri dredger that was brought from Azheekal harbour, three months ago, to remove the sand stopped working on the first day itself due to a technical snag. Although technicians were brought and the dredger was partially repaired, its engine soon stopped working. Sand removal has been stalled for the last two months, turning the estuary into a dangerous trap for boats. Fishermen and those working in this sector have been urging the authorities to ensure safe passage for the fishermen into the deep sea via the estuary channel.

Besides, there has also been a controversy about the transfer of the sand that is removed from the estuary. The Anchuthengu Janakeeya Sammrakshana Samiti stated that they would oppose the move to handover the sand to the highway authority. They made a representation to the authorities of the department of ports to spread the sand that is removed from the estuary in the coastal belt from Anchuthengu to Thazhampally as beaches are lost due the construction of pulimuttu (sea wall) from the first bridge at Anchuthengu to Thazhampally.

Sand removal should resume this month: Minorities Commission
The Kerala State Commission for Minorities Chairman AA Rashid blamed the officials for their severe incompetence for failure to repair the dredger and resume the sand removal works at the estuary, at a sitting held yesterday. The Commission suggested to complete the maintenance works as soon as possible and resume the sand removal works this month itself. The chairman also asked the harbour engineering department to submit a detailed report about it in the next sitting.