Date:13/05/2005 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2005/05/13/stories/2005051312640300.htm

Kerala - Alappuzha

Sea erosion triggers a wave of panic

Staff Reporter

Adds to Arattupuzha panchayat's tsunami woes

ALAPPUZHA: Intermittent sea erosions that have been hitting tsunami-hit Arattupuzha panchayat here for the past few weeks have sparked off panic.

Waves often cross the Thottappaly-Valiyazheekkal coastal road in the Perumpally and Valiyazeekkal areas when the sea is turbulent.

The road in the area is being covered by mineral sand. People living on the western side of the coastal road are finding it difficult to stay in their houses. Residents of the area said that sea wall construction was not being done in areas where there was sea erosion.

At present, sea wall was being constructed along the beach north of Tharayilkkadavu.

Sea erosion was occurring in areas south of Tharayilkkadavu. This was the region worst hit by tsunami too.

Residents blocked lorries carrying rocks for the ongoing sea wall construction, which arrived at Tharayilkkadavu on Wednesday.

Meanwhile, the authorities promised the local people that immediate steps would be taken to start sea wall construction in the Perumpally and Valiyazheekkal areas.