Kochi : Water resources minister Mons Joseph on Saturday launched the second phase of the Rs 464-crore coastal protection project at Chellanam, promising timely completion without corruption or negligence. The initiative aims to provide a permanent solution to the region’s decades-long battle with severe sea erosion.
The minister stated that the new UDF govt prioritised resolving the long-standing issue in its first cabinet meeting, focusing specifically on Chellanam’s sea erosion and drinking water shortages in Kochi. He credited CM V D Satheesan with resolving administrative bottlenecks that had delayed the project’s second phase.
Fisheries minister V E Abdul Ghaboor highlighted the historical struggles of residents whose homes flooded every monsoon, acknowledging local organisations and church leaders who campaigned for the wall. Minister Roji M John emphasised that constructing the sea wall with tetrapods reflects the govt’s long-term commitment to coastal safety rather than an election gimmick.