On June 28th, a people’s collective of Edavanakad panchayat in Ernakulam district, Kerala called for hartal to protest against the misfortunes prompted by massive sea invasion. And it has been successful with shops closed down, no vehicle movement on the highways. State highway was blocked at the coastal point of this Panchayat as fishing boats stayed away from the sea.
In the morning a mass solidarity rally took place from Kuzhuppilly to Aniyal. That is said to have been attended by over one thousand people. And people from all walks of life and political parties joined it. Traffic coming through this Panchayat has remained disrupted.
After that, some members of panchayathi such as president accompanied by vice-president led a delegation. Along with leaders of protest committee to district collectorate where they had discussions with the District Collector. A day-long blockade organized by protest committee on June 27th was lifted only after District collector agreed for a meeting with them.
“Our major appeal is for another tetrapod seawall just like what we have in Chellanam.” For instance, it should be known that traditional seawall cannot be effective since there are no more large granite available. As estimated cost about Rs.57 crore,” V.K.Iqbal who is also an Edavanakkad panchayat vice-president stated.
Other demands include constructing drainage system and reconditioning old Coastal Highway that is stretches over 2.50 km. Jithin M.D., a fisherman said, “The road has still not yet been cleared up from sand deposited by intruding waves on its approximately one kilometer while similar length left unattended makes difficult mobility for residents.”
Another thing is compensating all livelihoods damaged by moving waves including shrimp farming among others.” On June 28th, for example due to hartal almost half hundred fishermen each not involved in fishing were parked at the shore with 12 vessels.
“If the meeting with district collector does come up with any positive outcome we will have no other options but to intensify our protests further. We might resort to protest measures like indefinite hunger strike,” Mr. Iqbal hinted.
On the other hand, there is visible anger simmering among locals against local MLA K.N. Unnikrishnan over what they perceive as his standoffishness to their struggle. “He has never bothered about our problems, even trying to visit us.” Jithin stated. There was no response from Mr.Unnikrishnan regarding these allegations made against him.
