Dredging Halt at Muthalapozhi Harbour Sparks Safety Fears Among Fishermen
Dredging work at the Muthalapozhi harbour development project has come to a sudden stop. The halt occurred due to an equipment failure, causing fresh worries among the local fishing community. Fishermen are deeply concerned about safety and navigation issues as rough sea conditions are expected to arrive by the end of March.
Fishermen Urge Immediate Action
On Monday, fishermen met with officials, including the harbour executive engineer. They urged the authorities to resume dredging at the earliest possible time. The fishermen issued a clear warning. Boat accidents tend to rise sharply when the sea turns turbulent during the pre-monsoon season. Officials promised the fishermen that dredging works would resume within two days, according to sources.
Equipment Failure Causes Work Stoppage
While construction of tetrapods is in progress, dredging work has stalled. Tetrapods are heavy concrete structures designed to reduce wave energy at the harbour mouth. The dredging halt happened because of a malfunction in the dredger's anchoring system. This system, known as a spud, keeps the vessel stable in rough waters. Harbour officials say they are exploring alternative options and repairs. Their goal is to restart dredging operations soon.
Long-Standing Safety Issue
Accumulation of sand and sediment at the harbour entrance is a long-standing safety problem. This accumulation chokes the estuary and makes navigation dangerous, especially during rough seas. Fishermen have repeatedly warned about this issue. Without proper dredging, boats struggle to enter and exit the harbour safely. This raises the risk of capsizes and collisions near the harbour mouth.
Frustration Over Delays
In recent months, the fishing community has expressed frustration over repeated delays in dredging work. Talks between harbour officials and the district collector sought to increase dredging hours. They also aimed to deploy additional high-capacity dredging machinery. However, progress has been slow. Fishermen continue to press for effective action to address the problem.
Project Progress and Local Concerns
The harbour development project has seen progress on several fronts. This includes the casting and stockpiling of tetrapods and the installation of support infrastructure. Despite this progress, locals emphasize that resuming dredging without delay is crucial. It is essential to ensure safe harbour operations.
Fishermen have stressed a critical point. Without dredging, sandbars and sediment will block vessel movement. This threatens both their livelihoods and their safety. They urge authorities to fast-track repairs or secure advanced dredging equipment. This action is needed to mitigate the looming crisis as rough seas approach.
