Minorities panel steps in over coastal damage, demands urgent report from officials

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: With no let-up in sea surges and rising public outrage over official apathy, the Kerala State Minorities Commission on Monday initiated a suo motu case concerning the worsening conditions along the Thiruvananthapuram coast.

Chairman A A Rasheed has issued notices to the district collector, tahsildar, state fisheries director, and the city police commissioner, demanding a detailed report within ten days outlining all actions taken in response to the coastal crisis.

The commission highlighted that property damage and crop loss have become daily occurrences since the monsoon began. Many homes remain under threat, particularly in minority-dominated coastal areas like Beemapally, Vettucaud, Cheriyathura, Valiyathura, and Shangumugham, where protective sea walls are either incomplete or non-existent.

Makeshift sandbag barriers have proven insufficient, and fishing boats moored well inland have still sustained damage, severely impacting those who depend on the sea for their livelihood. The panel also slammed the district administration’s sluggish response and said that village offices and government departments have refused to register complaints from affected residents.

The commission warned that unless swift action is taken, more homes and livelihoods may be lost to the raging sea.

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