Kerala Government Updates High Court on Chellanam Seawall Phase 2 Progress
The Kerala state government has formally informed the High Court that technical sanction for the second phase of construction of a seawall in the Chellanam coastal region near Kochi will be accorded shortly. This critical update came during a recent hearing where the government also indicated that the project may be awarded to the Uralungal Labour Contract Co-operative Society on a nomination basis.
Government Submissions and Project Details
The senior government pleader submitted to the court that the matter is currently pending consideration before the technical sanction committee. This follows the issuance of financial sanction, which has already been approved. The government made these submissions in response to petitions filed by residents V T Sebastian, T A Dalfine, and others from Chellanam, who are seeking immediate and urgent measures to prevent sea erosion and damage caused by sea waves in their vulnerable coastal area.
It was further clarified that anti-sea erosion works are being undertaken on a priority basis, with the allocation of resources depending on the vulnerability and severity of affected areas, as well as the availability of essential materials like geobags.
High Court Directions and Timeline
Recording the government's submissions, a bench comprising Chief Justice Soumen Sen and Justice V M Syam Kumar directed the state to file a detailed affidavit within three weeks. This affidavit must outline the progress made in the seawall project, along with particulars of anti-sea erosion works already completed and those proposed on a priority basis. The High Court has adjourned the petitions to April 1 for further consideration.
Background and Previous Developments
During an earlier hearing, in compliance with the High Court's directions, the chief engineer (irrigation and administration) had filed an affidavit providing crucial project details. The affidavit stated that a government order dated January 25, 2026, had been issued, granting administrative sanction for the project titled 'ASE – Reformation of Damaged Sunken Sea Wall and Allied Works Using Tetrapods'.
This order sanctioned a substantial amount of Rs 404 crore for the execution of the project, with funding to be provided through the Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board. The project aims to address severe coastal erosion in Chellanam, a region that has been repeatedly battered by sea waves, causing significant damage to properties and livelihoods.
The Chellanam seawall project is part of broader efforts to protect Kerala's coastline from erosion, with the first phase having been completed earlier. The second phase is expected to enhance coastal resilience, using tetrapods and other engineering solutions to mitigate wave impact. The involvement of the Uralungal Labour Contract Co-operative Society, a renowned cooperative known for its infrastructure projects, underscores the government's commitment to leveraging local expertise for this vital environmental protection initiative.
