The Kerala government has granted in-principle approval for the second phase of the Chellanam seawall project, aiming to protect the coast from frequent sea incursions.
The seawall, set to be built along a 6.1 km stretch, is estimated to cost Rs 404 crore, with funds sourced through the Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board (KIIFB). The project will be executed by the Kerala Irrigation Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (KIIDCL). While Chellanam Janakeeya Vedhi welcomed the move, concerns were raised about the exclusion of key elements from the original design, such as nine groyne fields. The group urged the government to complete the project before the next monsoon.
The first phase of the seawall, covering a 7.3 km stretch from Chellanam to Puthenthode, was completed in 2023 at a cost of Rs 347 crore.