Kerala High Court Hears PIL Seeking Stronger Seawall Along Vypin Coast

A public interest litigation in AG Joy & Ors v. State of Kerala & Ors. has been filed before the Kerala High Court, seeking urgent steps to strengthen coastal protection along the Vypin coast in Ernakulam. The plea highlights recurring sea erosion and the need for a durable solution ahead of the monsoon season.

The petition has been moved by nine residents from Njarakkal and Nayarambalam villages. They have requested the Court to direct authorities to construct a stronger seawall supported by tetrapods, along with proper maintenance of the existing coastal protection structures.

A Division Bench comprising Chief Justice Soumen Sen and Justice Syam Kumar VM has taken note of the concerns. On March 26, the Court directed the State’s irrigation department to submit a detailed report on the issues raised. The Bench observed, “The Irrigation Department shall file a report with regard to the grievances raised by the petitioners concerning the sea wall at Njarakkal and Nayarambalam.”

The Court has also asked the Nayarambalam and Njarakkal Grama Panchayats to file affidavits. The matter is scheduled for further hearing on April 1.

According to the petition, the existing seawall along the Vypin coast has repeatedly failed during heavy rains and strong wave activity. Several portions are damaged or washed away each monsoon, exposing nearby homes to sea intrusion and land erosion.

Residents have stated that such failures force them to evacuate their homes frequently during the rainy season. They are often shifted to temporary relief camps or forced to take shelter with relatives, disrupting their daily lives and livelihoods.

“On all occasions on rainy season, there occurs a sea attack, and the local residents are evacuated from their homes, and they are forced to live in a temporary rehabilitation camp or the residence of their relatives. Their daily lives are adversely affected, and they are struggling to make ends meet,” the petition states.

The plea further emphasises the need for additional coastal protection measures. These include installing tetrapods and constructing groins to reduce wave impact and control erosion. Tetrapods are specially designed concrete structures that break the force of incoming waves and help stabilise shorelines.

The petitioners have argued that strengthening the seawall using such methods is scientifically proven and effective. They have cited the example of Chellanam Grama Panchayat, where similar measures have been successfully implemented.

The PIL also seeks details regarding the maintenance status of the current seawall and the steps taken by the State to safeguard coastal residents. It further requests regular updates on any ongoing or proposed seawall strengthening project.

The petitioners were represented by Advocates Akhil K Madhav, TR Jerry Sebastian, Archana Suresh and Vironica Vincy PB. The State was represented by Advocate Varghese K Paul, while Central Government Counsel Navaneeth N Nath appeared for the Union Ministry of Environment.