T’puram: Fishermen at Perumathura and around Muthalapozhi harbour raised serious concerns over the ongoing construction of a new breakwater, alleging that the project is being carried out in an unscientific manner that could once again endanger fishing vessels entering the harbour mouth.According to members of the fishing community, the under-construction breakwater deviated towards the northern side before reaching the required length, reducing its effectiveness in controlling wave action and sand deposition at the harbour entrance. They fear that the deviation will fail to address the long-standing navigational hazards faced by fishermen while entering or leaving the harbour. Local fishermen said the breakwater should extend further into the sea before turning northwards to ensure smoother water flow and prevent strong crosscurrents. “We are not against the construction work. But we are concerned about the unscientific construction of the breakwater. If the breakwater was extended to the required length before the turn, it would offer better protection for boats,” said Valleriyan Issac, Kerala Swatantra Matsya Thozhilali Federation state vice-president. He also hinted that the fishermen would protest if the issues were not addressed immediately. “We already lodged a complaint with harbour engineering department and Kerala coastal zone management authority to rectify the issue,” Issac added.Muthalapozhi harbour gained notoriety over the years for frequent boat accidents and dangerous wave patterns at the mouth of the estuary. Locals said the issues worsened after construction of the breakwaters, which they claim altered the natural movement of sand and waves. More than 70 people reportedly lost their lives in accidents near the harbour over the past several years.Meanwhile, a senior official from harbour engineering department said the work was being carried out as per approved technical guidelines. “The alignment of the breakwater was decided after studying the sea conditions and coastal currents in the area. The structure is expected to stabilize the harbour mouth and reduce sand accumulation once the project is completed,” the official said.Despite the assurance, fishermen remain skeptical and warned that they will intensify protests if the authorities fail to rectify what they describe as a flawed design.
