Expert hands to save beach

The Tourism Department has identified two architects to devise ways to protect the Shanghumughom beach and restore it to its past glory, Tourism Minister Kadakampally Surendran has said.

Addressing a press conference here on Sunday, he said that a major portion of the beach had been lost to sea erosion. “We need to find methods to protect the existing beach. The department is planning a comprehensive project for the development of all beaches in the State. One issue we face is the lack of space in many of these places, like in the case of Kovalam where we still cannot find land to build more public toilets,” he said.

Sea advances

Meanwhile, high waves caused by low pressure over the Kerala coast continued to lash the coastal belt with the Shanghumughom beach bearing the brunt of the sea erosion. The sea continued to advance further into the shore on Sunday.

Visitors were barred from the beach, a hub of leisure activities during weekends, and a good number of them were visibly alarmed at the steady emergence of waves towards the walkway.

Lifeguards and police personnel are posted on the beach. The strong waves continued to chip away at the foundation of the partially damaged road that run parallel to the beach.