Coastal residents of Neerkunnam under threat of rough sea attack

AMBALAPPUZHA: The coastal residents of Neerkunnam are under threat of rough sea attack after the Geo Tubes installed to prevent storm surge, collapsed. In 2018, for the first time in the state, Neerkunnam beach in Ambalapuzha V was chosen to install geo-tubes. Geo-tubes were installed at a distance of 100 meters on an experimental basis at a cost of Rs 50 lakh.

Geo Tubes were experimented when the seawalls were washed away in places where it was made of granite. However, within a year, everything collapsed. After the geo tubes collapsed in this area, the sea has been raging for about 5 years. Around 15 houses in the area were destroyed during this period. Many houses are under threat. As the geo tube was installed, no sea wall was built here. The authorities now say that sea surge can be prevented by placing tetra pods.

Irrigation department initially objected
1. The irrigation department had opposed the project of installing geo-tubes along the coast from the very beginning.

2. People in favour pointed out that it had been successful in West Bengal and Goa.

3. People in favour of geo tube claim that the irrigation department wants granite wall in order to swindle crores.

4. Fishermen point out that the granite wall is collapsing due to lack of maintenance.

Jio tube tested at 100 meters
Laying down tetro pads has not reached anywhere. There is fear when there is sea attack and Kallakadal phenomenon