Development without impact: Coastal residents of Kanniyakumari and Nagercoil constituencies voice discontent

Stretching along the shores of Bay of Bengal and Arabian Sea for kilometres, the coastal villages of the Kanniyakumari and Nagercoil Assembly constituencies of Kanniyakumari district have several demands and needs, which are yet to be addressed by the government.

Although, at some villages in these constituencies, residents’ immediate grievances have been addressed, some of them feel that the works were implemented for the sake of it and not for their intended purpose.

Around 15 coastal villages fall under the jurisdiction of the Kanniyakumari and Nagercoil constituencies. However, most of them were not satisfied by the projects implemented in their villages.

Kitherian Starwin, a resident of Kanniyakumari, highlighted the issue of sewage intrusion into the sea, which residents have been facing for a prolonged period, despite attempting every possible step to prevent it.

He added, “It was said that funds for the project have been sanctioned a few months ago and the PWD department awaits land allocation, but project has not yet been commissioned and the sewage from the municipal areas continue to enter into the sea.”

Kanniyakumari being a tourist destination, has not seen any effective measures to prevent sewage intrusion into the sea.

Speaking about the recently extended groyne at Periyanayaki street in Kanniyakumari, he said, “It must be further extended to another 200 metres, and the current development has no use for the fishermen, as it is not serving its purpose.”

Jeya Cyril, an activist from Chinna Muttom, said, “Chinna Muttom fishing harbour is the first fishing harbour in Kanniyakumari district and the facility houses around 350 mechanised boats.”

Mr. Cyril noted that some of the demands include police outposts at fishing harbour and a fire station at the harbour, in case of emergencies.

He added, “The road leading to the fishing harbor from the village is about only 20 to 30 feet wide and frequent issues of traffic congestion and others have been raised during the peak season, which is between June and October.” He explained that a bypass road connecting the fishing harbour and main road would be beneficial for the traders arriving in thousands, from various regions.

Kovalam, a coastal village in Kanniyakumari constituency has around 160 fibre boats and it is famous for its anchovies fishing, with traders showing high interest in buying “Kovalam Nethili.”

Venis, a resident of the village, highlighted the need to extend the existing groyne in the village, noting that the structure was built before tsunami and restored recently, but is not showing its purpose. He added, “The Arabian sea starts from the village and due to swell surge during rough conditions, most of the houses are getting affected.”

Melrose, a resident of Puthenthurai, highlighted the immediate need of toilets and compound walls, which were destroyed during swell surge last July. She added that the toilets and compounds of nearly 13 houses were completely damaged.

She noted “Since then, many women and other members of the family are using the nearby land for open defecation,” urging the government to take immediate steps to construct toilets for the houses damaged in swell surge.

She further added that currently works are under way to construct a break water wall, however they are using only boulders and not tetrapods, which has raised concern among the residents, further fearing that damage would again occur.

Edison, Pillaithoppu parish priest Secretary, also stressed the immediate construction of groyne at Pillaithoppu and Azhikkal villages, as both the places are vulnerable to sea water intrusion. He added, “During the swell surge season, apart from seawater intrusion, drainage issues of the toilets have become a common issue, causing difficulties for the residents.”

He also sought for women empowerment programmes to be implemented in coastal villages, for the livelihood of women and sustained income.

Residents also further expect for the much needed facelift for Sothavilai and Sanguthurai beaches, as the development would increase the livelihood opportunities for fishermen in the locality.

Published – March 20, 2026 09:16 pm IST