ALAPPUZHA: The boat service which was cancelled in Alappuzha jetty following reduction of water level in Vaadakkanal was not able to re-establish for the fourth consecutive day. Two and half metres of water has receded within four days. Now, the boat is servicing from Maatha jetty near KSRTC bus stand. Water level had not reduced this much even in summer. The boat workers say that this is for the first time the water level has reduced during rainy season. Mud has appeared following reduction of water level and this resulted in the cancellation of boat service. The machine may get damaged if the boat is operated through mud. The boat is servicing from Maatha jetty with the permission of officials following this. 55 passenger boats of the water department is servicing here. Passenger boats from Kavalam, Kottayam, Changanassery, Nedumudy and Pulinkunn stations had also reached Alappuzha jetty regularly. These boats are also arriving at Maatha jetty now.

Six shops are operating in the jetty. Since service has been stopped, the shopkeepers are also facing financial crisis. They are facing this situation since Saturday.  The sea has also receded at Alappuzha beach.  A 50 metre wide black soil ridge has also been formed at the beach. The sea had receded in the similar manner during the time of Tsunami in 2004. This concerns the people residing in the coastal area.