Alappuzha: The Ports Department has launched urgent safety measures at Alappuzha beach following the death of 18-year-old Nithya Joshi and serious injuries to her friend after a roadside stall collapsed during strong winds and heavy rainfall.

Authorities have begun dismantling unauthorized constructions near the 117 temporary shops on the beach. Although licenses had been issued for these stalls, all permits expired on May 25—just a day before the tragic incident. Officials have now clarified that licenses will not be renewed for stalls violating safety norms.

Only mobile, four-wheeled units that can be swiftly relocated in emergencies will be permitted going forward. However, many vendors had illegally built semi-permanent structures with tin roofs and unsafe extensions to increase their selling area. These are now being demolished.

The Ports Department, citing public safety, has directed shopkeepers to immediately remove all unauthorised constructions. Renewal of licenses, which happens every two years, will now hinge on strict adherence to safety regulations.

Nithya lost her life while seeking shelter from the storm when the structure collapsed on her. Her friend, Adarsh (24) from Kalavoor, suffered critical spinal injuries and is undergoing treatment in the Surgical ICU at a private hospital in Vaikom. Doctors say he has sustained severe central nervous system damage and is currently bedridden following emergency surgery.