Proposal for tetrapod groynes cleared for Valiathura-Shanghumughom stretch in Thiruvananthapuram

The Water Resources department has cleared a proposal for constructing groynes using tetrapods from Valiathura to Shanghumughom as part of the efforts to contain coastal erosion along the southern coastline.

The department, through a May 5, 2026 order, has cleared a ₹7-crore estimate for the work which also includes ‘reformation’ of the seawall in the area. The department has cleared the proposal on the basis of a detailed project report submitted by the Chief Engineer, Irrigation and Administration. This was also one of the projects proposed in the district during the Nava Kerala Sadas organised by the Left Democratic Front government.

The Water Resources department has directed Superintending Engineers to accurately fix the deadline for the works and prepare an implementation schedule to complete them on time.

In terms of coastal erosion, the Valiathura-Shanghumughom stretch has been listed as one of the worst-hit in Thiruvananthapuram district.

Residents’ demand

Given the intensity of erosion along vulnerable stretches of the coast, coastal residents have been demanding protective measures such as seawalls.

At the same time, studies have blamed unscientifically constructed ‘hard structures’—seawalls, groynes and harbours—for aggravating coastal erosion. In June 2021, an independent review (Seashore Erosion in Kerala: Review and Recommendations) by serving and retired scientists from the University of Kerala and the National Centre for Earth Science Studies had advised the government to instead adopt ‘living seashore’ models. Their advice was based on the conclusion that existing breakwater and seawall constructions have only served to worsen erosion.