Call to address shortcomings in geotube offshore breakwater project off Poonthura

A diver alongside a geotube deployed in the first phase of the project off Poonthura in Thiruvananthapuram.
| Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

The Kerala government has been urged to address the shortcomings in the construction of the geotube offshore breakwater project off the Poonthura coast in the district and complete it by taking measures for proper monitoring and management.

The demand came at a discussion on the project organised by the Thiruvananthapuram-based research group Friends of Marine Life (FML) recently on the basis of an underwater survey conducted by it using divers to assess the effectiveness of the first two phases.

Researcher and FML chief coordinator Robert Panipilla said the underwater survey proved that the geotubes filled with sea sand deployed off the Cheriyamuttom area some three years ago were found to be ineffective now. On the other hand, the geotubes deployed off the St. Thomas church area in Phase 2 a year ago appeared to be effective, which gives hope for the coastal community.

“Our assessment is that the first phase failed due to problems in the construction and management phases. But the second phase is seen to be a success. The government should take urgent steps to complete the construction of the remaining sections of the project,” he said.

To check erosion

Implemented by the Kerala State Coastal Area Development Corporation (KSCADC), the geotube offshore breakwater project, with technical support from the National Institute of Ocean Technology, is meant to check coastal erosion by slowing wave action.

Participants at the discussion underscored the need for community-based management of the project. They called for controlling harvesting of mussels from the geotube structures using sharp tools. Such activities could damage the structures, they pointed out.

The FML urged the State government to organise a technical workshop jointly with the coastal communities for the proper management of the project. The organisation also stressed the importance of periodical monitoring in this regard.

K.V. Thomas, former scientist with the National Centre for Earth Science Studies (NCESS), moderated the discussion. Scuba Cochin director Justin Jose and representatives of the KSCADC, the local church committee and fishers from Poonthura spoke.