Thiruvananthapuram: The City Corporation has drawn up a project for the environmental upgradation of the coastal belt extending up to 20 km. Estimated to cost Rs.14.83 crore, the project primarily seeks to improve the quality of life of the coastal communities by providing them improved sanitation facilities. A coastal afforestation programme will also be taken up to create a green barrier stretching along the length of the coast.

The project is one of the main components of the City Development Plan that has been submitted for assistance from the Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM) sponsored by the Union Ministry of Urban Development. The project document observes that the density of population and the lack of proper sanitation facilities in the coastal areas are responsible for the unhygienic environment.

A network of public comfort stations and household-level sanitation facilities has been proposed for all the coastal wards as a solution to the problem.

Another proposal is the construction of a permanent gabion wall along the beach to tackle the damage caused by rough seas in the areas prone to heavy erosion. The gabion wall estimated to cost Rs.9 crore would act as a cut off line preventing encroachments on the beach and leaving the beach as a buffer zone.

The structure will also serve as an extension of the walkway on the Shanghumughom beach towards the Valiathura pier on the southern side and up to Kannanthura, Vettucad, Kochuveli and Veli to the north. Three parks are to be constructed adjacent to the proposed walkway at a cost of Rs.60 lakh. The parks will serve as recreation centres for the fishermen community. Three bathing ghats with changing rooms are also proposed to be constructed along the shore. The ghats, estimated to cost Rs.60 lakh, will also add to the tourist facilities.

Under the afforestation programme, mangroves and other species of trees will be planted along the coastal belt to restore the ecological balance and create a natural barrier to check erosion.

A sum of Rs.50 lakh will be earmarked for this effort. The programme is to be extended to other areas of the city as well to create artificial forests in an urban setting.

The surplus Government land available at the sewage farm, Muttathara, the Chitranjali Studio complex at Thiruvallam and the Edayar island are proposed to be utilised for the purpose.

The 75 acres at Muttathara has been proposed as the most suitable location. An amount of Rs.4 crore has been earmarked for the project.

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