Construction of a breakwater has begun in Pozhiyoor in Thiruvananthapuram district, following years of severe sea attacks and coastal erosion that have damaged homes, roads, infrastructure and the livelihoods of fishing communities. Chief Minister V D Satheesan inaugurated the work in the presence of Irrigation Minister Mons Joseph and Neyyattinkara MLA N Shakthan.

The Pozhiyoor-Kollankode coastal protection project is intended to provide a permanent, scientifically designed system for protecting the shoreline and nearby communities. The government plans to complete the work promptly, based on studies conducted for the project, while addressing the long-term risks faced by residents in the coastal region.

Sea attacks have destroyed 128 houses in the area, while several other families remain vulnerable. About 4,500 families in the coastal hamlet have faced difficulties because of delays in implementing the project, which was sought by fishermen for several years.

The project covers approximately 1,700m of coastline and includes a tetrapod seawall and 11 groynes. Its detailed project report was prepared on the basis of a study by the Indian Institute of Technology Madras. The coastal protection works are also intended to support the development of the Pozhiyoor Fishing Harbour, with expansion to nearby coastal areas planned in later phases.

The estimated cost of the project is Rs. 932.2 mn. Funding will be provided through the Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board, while the Kerala Irrigation Infrastructure Development Corporation, known as KIIDC, will execute the construction. The project is expected to strengthen shoreline protection and reduce the continuing threat to homes, public infrastructure and fishing-related livelihoods in Pozhiyoor and surrounding areas.