THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The state government is all set to begin protection work of the historic Arattu Mandapam at Shankumukham, which is under severe sea erosion threat, this week. However, the project has sparked opposition from the local fishing community, who allege that the authorities are ignoring the protection of the livelihood, houses and life of the local fishing community and focusing only on the Arattu Mandapam.
The irrigation department has already invited tenders to install 120 metres of polypropylene geotubes to protect the Arattu Mandapam.
According to irrigation department officials, the work will be awarded within four days and the work will take off immediately. “Now the sea has become a little bit calmer and the situation can change swiftly. The only challenge is to undertake the work while the sea is rough. The plan is to complete the project within 20 days,” said the official.
The local fishermen, who have been bearing the brunt of shoreline degradation, accuse the government of selective concern. The fishing community in the district has formed a joint forum - Theeram - that represents church organisations and other organisations representing the fisherman community irrespective of political affiliation in the district to condemn this decision of the state government to protect only the Arattu Mandapam.
Magline Peter, one of the coordinators of Theeram, said that they met MLA Antony Raju and have expressed strong dissent against this decision. “We will strongly protest this move as the livelihood, houses and life of the fishermen are also equally important just like the Arattu Mandapam,” said Magline Peter. She said that the temporary intervention will only aggravate erosion to the northern side and more houses will be lost.
Kerala Matsyathozhilali Congress state president Henry Vincent accused the government and the authorities of ignoring the issues of the fishing community. “They are able to expedite this particular project to protect the Arattu Mandapam. Hundreds of fishermen families are on the verge of displacement and the government shows no urgency to protect their properties,” said Henry.
According to many, the government and the agencies are making interventions only when sea erosion happens. Kerala Latin Catholic Association diocese president Patrick Micheal said that it is the responsibility of the government to protect the shoreline, houses, Valiyathura pier, Shakumugham beach along with the Arattu Mandapam. “The government is only very keen on protecting the Arattu Mandapam. Also this is not the time to come up with such a project and they should have planned this months ahead,” said Patrick Micheal.