Action plan soon for scientific disposal of discarded fibre boats in Kozhikode

An action plan will soon be prepared for the scientific collection and disposal of discarded fibre boats dumped in rivers and other waterbodies in Kozhikode district, where no viable treatment mechanism currently exists. The move follows an interim order by the Kerala State Human Rights Commission directing local administrators to examine the issue in earnest and initiate immediate measures for river water conservation.

Taking note of complaints from the Fisheries department and environmental activists about the indiscriminate dumping of fibre-reinforced plastic boats along riverbanks and coastal stretches, the Commission called for time-bound steps. It also directed local administrators to submit a report within 15 days to prevent further environmental degradation.

In compliance with the directive, local administrators representing the Kozhikode Corporation and the Kadalundi grama panchayat are expected to prepare a draft action plan. The proposal is likely to outline practical measures for the identification, collection, segregation and scientific disposal of unusable fibre boats. The draft will subsequently be submitted to the State government for consideration and further action.

Officials and harbour development committee members pointed out that the absence of authorised disposal facilities had led to the unchecked accumulation of fibre boats in ecologically sensitive zones. As the discarded fibre material is non-biodegradable and poses significant recycling challenges, abandoned boats often remain unattended for years. This, they claimed, has affected water quality in the Chaliyar river, obstructed navigation and disrupted aquatic systems.

The issue has drawn much attention in the backdrop of harbour development works in Kozhikode district. Authorities have begun efforts to clear abandoned fibre boats and scrap materials from major fishing harbours to facilitate long-pending infrastructure projects.

“Members of various harbour development societies and committees have already been asked to assess the extent of the problem and initiate immediate remedial measures under the supervision of the Fisheries department. The Rights panel’s order comes at a time when procedures were moving at a snail’s pace,” said a senior member of the Beypore Harbour Development Committee. He added that ‘illegally’ dumped boats and scrap materials occupy considerable space in several harbours, which could otherwise be used to expand essential facilities. 

According to local fishing boat operators, scrap dealers are reluctant to accept damaged fibre boats due to the lack of viable recycling options. Discussions initiated earlier to entrust the crushed material to the State-run Clean Kerala Company for scientific disposal are also reportedly hanging in the balance, they said.