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Time of India
29-06-2025
- Time of India
Arattu mandapam protection work to begin in two weeks
Thiruvananthapuram: The protection work of the 'arattu kalmandapam' at Shanghumugham will begin within two weeks as part of the broader Shanghumugham Beach protection project. The irrigation department, which is implementing the initiative, will float a tender this week to install 120 metres of polypropylene geotubes around the mandapam. The project, funded with Rs 35 lakh from the MLA fund of local legislator Antony Raju, received administrative sanction from district collector Anu Kumari on Saturday. Raju also plans to submit a proposal to the state govt on Monday, seeking approval to extend the geotube protection along the entire beach, in place of the proposed offshore breakwater using rock granules. However, this extended beach protection project will be implemented only after the state govt gives its decision. "This is a crucial step in preserving a heritage structure of deep cultural and religious significance to our city," said Raju. "Geotubes offer an eco-friendly option that protects the arattu mandapam without disturbing the beach's natural beauty." Raju also plans to lodge a formal complaint with tourism minister PA Mohammed Riyas, after the tourism department declined to fund the geotube project citing a budget shortfall. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Вот что поза во сне говорит о вашем характере! Удивительные Новости Undo "A previous meeting had concluded that the department would provide Rs 35 lakh for the project. However, tourism director Shikha Surendran refused the allocation despite the importance of arattu mandapam and Shanghumugham as key tourism sites," he said. A tourism department official defended the decision, stating that financial constraints had prevented the allocation. However, he said: "We support this move and will assist in all technical clearances and project monitoring." The geotube installation follows recommendations from a high-level expert committee led by MV Ramana Murthy of the National Centre for Coastal Research (NCCR). The committee, chaired by Raju, had assessed multiple coastal protection methods, including offshore geotubes, groynes, diaphragm walls, and sand nourishment. Shanghumugham Beach, the sacred 'Arattukadavu' for Lord Padmanabhaswamy's annual holy bath, has suffered severe erosion in recent years. Reports from the NCCR and state agencies indicate coastal land loss of nearly 4.7 metres annually, endangering heritage structures and local infrastructure.
Time of India
27-06-2025
- Time of India
Expert team recommends measures to protect Shanghumugham Beach from sea erosion
Thiruvananthapuram: An expert team led by M V Ramana Murthy, technical advisor of National Centre for Coastal Research and director of Deep Ocean Mission, visited Shanghumugham Beach on Thursday to submit recommendations to govt for its protection against severe sea erosion. A meeting, chaired by Antony Raju, MLA, was convened later to analyse the steps to be taken to prevent the beach from further erosion. During the meeting, the team requested tourism department to approve and commence construction on the irrigation department's proposal to urgently protect the Shanghumugham Arattu Mandapam using polypropylene geo bags. The meeting thoroughly examined suggestions such as using geo tubes, groynes, sand nourishment and diaphragm walls for protecting the beach. It was assessed that the project should be implemented in a way that protects the coastline, road and tourism facilities, allowing visitors to enjoy the beach without disturbing fishing activities and facilitating the smooth conduct of the Arattu procession from Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple, while also being environmentally sustainable. The meeting also decided to submit details of the first phase of the project to govt, which involves installing geo tubes at a depth of 6m in the sea, 200m away from the shore, along a 1.5km stretch at Shanghumugham to reduce the impact of large waves and conduct sand nourishment on the shore. After evaluating its progress, if necessary, the plan to implement small groynes in Kannanthura, Vettukad and Kochuveli areas to prevent sea turbulence at Shanghumugham, along with sand nourishment on the shore, will be executed in the second phase. This recommendation will be submitted to the chief minister and to the ministers of public works, tourism, water resources and fisheries. The meeting was also attended by Kerala Coastal Development Corporation managing director Sheikh Pareeth, councillor Seraphin Freddy, major irrigation superintending engineer Bindu, tourism department deputy director Ansar KAS and officials from the public works and district tourism promotion council.
The Hindu
21-06-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
Youth Congress activists protest against Minister demanding solution to sea incursion threat at Kannamaly
Youth Congress activists staged a protest against Water Resources Minister Roshy Augustine here on Saturday (June 21, 2025) alleging delay on the part of the government in addressing the worsening sea incursion situation at Kannamaly, Cheriyakadavu and Kattiparambu areas. The Minister was attending a programme in connection with the Amrut-2 scheme at the office of the Chief Engineer of the Kerala Water Authority in the city when a group of Youth Congress activists barged into the venue and raised slogans against the government for not taking steps to find a proper solution to the problems faced by the coastal communities at Kannamaly owing to the sea incursion. Police removed the protesters, who blamed the Minister for not fulfilling the long-standing demand of residents to protect the vulnerable shore using a tetrapod-based seawall. While tetrapods have been erected around 7 kilometres, nearly as much remains to be covered. The Minister later told the media that the government would take steps to initiate the second phase of the tetrapod-based seawall in the remaining 2.5 km stretch at Chellanam. 'We have received the study report from the National Centre for Coastal Research, Chennai, for laying the tetrapod seawall in the remaining stretch,' he said.
Time of India
04-06-2025
- Health
- Time of India
With so much plastic, it's not a paradise under water anymore, say divers
This World Environment Day, as the world focuses on the theme 'Ending Plastic Pollution', environmentalists bring in a reality check of the world beneath where oceans are clogged with plastic, from large debris to microplastics that are risking marine life and worsening climate change at the same time. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now 'Marine life is the foundation of the ocean environment and saving it means protecting the biodiversity of our planet that supports fisheries, tourism and oxygen,' says Dr Ira, an environmental science professor. 'NO ONE SEES THE SAD REALITY UNDERNEATH THE OCEAN' According to the National Centre for Coastal Research (NCCR), plastics make up around 55-57% of marine litter, such as ghost nets, discarded bottles, single-use plastics, snack wrappers, etc. 'The beauty of the ocean is glorified on the internet, but we, divers, see the sad reality beneath it. And increasingly, we are seeing only plastic wrapped around coral reefs. The water may seem clean from the shore, but go even 10 metres deep and one can see how plastic is altering entire ecosystems,' says Aatish, a diving instructor. By collecting plastic waste from beach clean-ups and fishing communities, we not only reduce ocean pollution at the source but also build a narrative around the importance of land-tosea plastic interception Victoria D'Souza 'NOT JUST A COASTAL PROBLEM' 'Microplastics are a huge concern. They're being ingested by fish, turtles, even phytoplankton—the base of the ocean food pyramid. These then work their way up into the fish we consume,' says ecologist Dr Meenakshi Venkataraman. 'It's not just a coastal problem anymore, it's global. We often say, 'make a difference on every dive'. But to clean our oceans, the work must begin before anything ever reaches the sea. That's the shift we need,' says one diver of PADI. 'RECYCLING OCEAN DEBRIS IS A STEP FORWARD IN SAVING MARINE ECOSYSTEM' According to a report by the Central Pollution Control Board, India, India generates approximately 3.4 million tonnes of plastic waste every year, and only 30% of it is recycled. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now A recycling centre in Bengaluru transforms the coastal plastic debris into functional materials like interlocking tiles for roads and pavements. 'Our recycled tiles serve as functional symbols of the crisis. When people walk on these tiles, they're stepping on what was once choking the ocean. It's awareness, action, and infrastructure rolled into one,' shared Victoria D'Souza, co-founder of a recycling centre in Bengaluru. When people learn about ocean pollution and then participate in cleanup drives, they develop a personal connection with the planet. This inspires them to become lifelong guardians of the marine world – Keith, a diving instructor in Goa Tips and tricks for a safe dive clean-up ■ Never dive alone; always dive with a buddy to ensure constant communication and assistance. ■ Plan your dive route, depth limits, and safety procedures. ■ Thoroughly check all diving equipment (BC, regulator, dive computer, etc.) to ensure it's in good working order before diving. ■ Use a mesh bag to carry debris, but do not overfill it. End the dive when the bag reaches its weight limit (4 kg/7 lbs) ■ Dive within your skill level and comfort zone, avoiding dives beyond your experience.
