Kanniyakumari District Collector M. Prathap inspected Azhikkal coastal village in Ganapathipuram town panchayat on Tuesday to review measures aimed at preventing sea water intrusion into the village.

Sea water entering the village during the southwest monsoon has become a recurrent phenomenon due to changes in the direction of ocean currents and other meteorological factors. With the onset of southwest monsoon in the first week of June, the village has once again been experiencing rough seas, with waves entering streets and houses, causing hardships to residents.

During the visit, Mr. Prathap inspected the village and interacted with local families to understand the current situation and the challenges they are facing.

He said that, with a view to strengthening marine infrastructure in the village and preventing sea water intrusion, a feasibility meeting had been conducted to explore the implementation of marine infrastructure facilities with the technical support from IIT-Madras, by using the revolving fund of the Fisheries and Fishermen Welfare Department

Mr. Prathap added that first and second level consultations regarding the project have also been completed with the participation of villagers, fishermen and other stakeholders. During the second level meeting, the proposed layout plan was approved with the consent of villagers and fishermen.

During the inspection, the collector further directed the officials to complete the survey work expeditiously, take necessary follow-up measures and implement the project, taking into account the difficulties and inconvenience faced by the residents due to repeated sea water intrusion.

“All necessary cooperation and support will be provided by the district administration for the implementation of the project. In order to find a permanent solution to the problem of sea water intrusion in Azhikkal, the Fisheries and Fishermen Welfare Department, IIT-Madras and District Administration will work in coordination and necessary steps will be taken and a solution will be reached soon,” Mr. Prathap said.

Kanniyakumari District Fisheries and Fishermen Welfare Department Deputy Director, K.T. Gopinath, Executive Engineer of Fisheries Department, Premalatha, Assistant Director of Fisheries Department, Deepa, and other officials were present.