Thiruvananthapuram
Frequent accidents and resultant deaths at Muthalapozhi, where the sea meets a river and a lake, led the residents of the coastal area to hold a protest march towards the state assembly on Thursday, carrying a coffin.
Muthalapozhi at Perumathura, where the Vamanapuram River and Kadinamkulam Lake meet the Arabian Sea, has become a dangerous spot for fishermen both when going to sea and returning to shore. The protest, led by the Kerala Latin Catholic Association (KLCA), began from Palayam and headed to the Assembly. However, the police set up barricades to stop them from reaching the state legislature. The protestors placed a symbolic coffin before the barricades and chanted slogans against the government.
They highlighted the recent death of a fisherman in the early hours of the day while returning from fishing and another accident that occurred at Muthalapozhi later that day, though no lives were lost. The protestors criticized the state government for ignoring repeated warnings about the area’s dangers.
They also recalled that after the deaths of four fishermen last year, the state government had promised several measures to improve safety and support for the coastal community.
Last year, the government announced that the Adani Group, contracted to dredge the fishing harbour, would increase the depth of the channel and basin by removing rocks and sand. Additionally, a permanent mechanism was to be established to prevent sand deposition in the approach channel. Other promises included building homes, creating livelihoods, and exploring ways to waive off unpaid loans for affected families.
