T’puram: Fishermen at Perumathura coastal village have opposed state govt plans to supply dredged soil from Muthalapozhi harbour to National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) for use in NH 66 six-laning project. Local fishing communities are demanding that the dredged sand be used locally to combat acute coastal erosion that is threatening their homes, livelihoods and the shoreline.State govt recently issued an order allowing dredged sand from Muthalapozhi harbour, accumulated from harbour mouth clearing operations, to be supplied to NHAI to help accelerate the NH 66 work between Kazhakkoottam and Kadampattukonam. Officials said the decision aims to ease shortages of construction material and reduce transport costs. However, the fishermen took strong exception. They argue that the sand urgently needs to be placed along nearby beaches and eroding coastal belts, where relentless sea action caused severe land loss over recent years, endangering fishing infrastructure and residences.
“We are not against development,” said a fisherman leading the protest. “But why should this sand go to a highway project when our own coast is disappearing? If used here, it could help rebuild beaches, protect our harbour approaches and secure our livelihood,” added a member of Matsyathozhilali Federation. Protesters are planning to stage sit-ins along the Perumathura coast, demanding a govt rethink and an immediate redirection of dredged material to erosion control works. The controversy deepens, with the NH 66 contractor also expressing reluctance. The dredged sand’s high price, fixed at Rs 1,389.83 per cubic metre (recoverable rate about Rs 952.36 after dredging costs), reportedly deterred the contractor firm from buying the soil. Fisheries representatives say the protests reflect wider discontent among coastal communities, who also fear the long-term impacts of harbour changes, hard sea structures and shoreline shifts that scientists link to altered sediment patterns. Similar coastal villages previously saw agitations over harbour siltation and erosion, including at Muthalapozhi itself, where unresolved dredging issues sparked demonstrations and disruptions of harbour operations last year. State authorities acknowledged the erosion problem but maintained that using Muthalapozhi dredged sand for NHAI’s highway project was approved to support critical infrastructure works. They say they will continue discussions with local leaders to find a balanced solution that addresses both coastal protection needs and material demands for road projects. Protest leaders, however, insist they will continue their agitation until a concrete plan is formalized.
