Sea Erosion in Thrikannad Threatens Kasaragod-Kanhangad Highway

Quick Summary:

• Situation: The Kasaragod-Kanhangad State Highway in Kerala is facing near-collapse due to severe sea erosion at the Thrikannad coastline.
• Damage Details: A gaping hole and sunken road have emerged near Trimbakeshwar temple, with parts of the land on the seaward side eroded. The sea is now only five metres from the tarmac.
• Concerns: Residents are alarmed about risks to homes, places of worship, and loss of a vital roadway. Police reports warn about imminent disaster risks for commuters and vehicles, especially at night.
• Local Response: MLAs C.H. Kunhambu and M. Rajagopalan met Water Resources Minister Roshi Augustine; ₹25 lakh was promised for temporary protective measures.
• Calls for Long-term Solution: Locals stress the need for a permanent sea wall and effective coastal protection strategy as heavy rains worsen erosion.

Indian Opinion Analysis:

The worsening condition of the Kasaragod-Kanhangad State highway highlights critical challenges faced by coastal infrastructure in India amid rising seawater levels and intensifying weather patterns. While emergency measures like fund allocation provide short-term relief, this situation underscores broader structural vulnerabilities along India’s coastlines that demand extensive action beyond immediate repairs.

This incident has implications not only for affected residents but also Kerala’s transportation network efficiency since thousands rely on these roads daily. If left unaddressed, risks could escalate with potential losses extending to housing and cultural landmarks like temples-prompting further economic strain.A more robust long-term response may involve building advanced structures like permanent sea walls or adopting modern coastal management policies informed by global climate modeling data.as erosion-related damages rise across Indian shorelines, policymakers must evaluate whether existing approaches sufficiently address both present threats and future contingencies.

Image Source: Special Arrangement
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