Coastal residents fear rains may worsen their lot

The residents in the coastal areas of the district are a concerned lot. They fear that the monsoon would leave a trail of destruction in the region if the rampant sea erosion witnessed during the past few days is a sign of things to come.

Strong waves that lashed the coast forced coastal residents in various parts of Thiruvananthapuram and Chirayinkeezhu taluks scurry for safer places. Around 20 houses were damaged in the past few days.

Two houses that were destroyed at Valiathura were situated on the third row of houses from the coastline. Buildings on the south side of the Valiathura pier face the brunt of sea erosion.

Thiruvananthapuram tahsildar G.K. Suresh Kumar said the second and third row of houses situated within 100 metres from the coast were likely to face the threat posed by the advancing sea. He cautioned that the situation might worsen with the onset of monsoon.

The situation was not much different further north at Anchuthengu, where two houses were destroyed and 14 sustained damages a few days ago. Many of the affected families have shifted to their relatives’ houses.

While no relief camps have been opened in the district, around 65 families have been residing in various camps in the city for two years, awaiting rehabilitation. They are mostly residents of the first row of houses that existed earlier. Ever since, they have been residing at various camps, including at the Government Lower Primary and Upper Primary schools, the godown of the Ports Department, and the Government Regional Fisheries Technical High School, all at Valiathura.

Official sources said that they would all be rehabilitated in the Muttathara flat complex. Eligible families who resided in the second row of houses will be accommodated in the remaining flats.

Relocation plans

In other parts of the district, coastal residents have expressed interest in opting for the compensation of ₹10 lakh provided by the Fisheries Department to shift to safer zones.

Under the scheme, they will be provided ₹6 lakh for purchase of land, and ₹4 lakh for constructing houses.