The proposed INR 65 billion ($784 mn) coastal highway in Kerala has ignited fervent debates, bringing to light both significant concerns pertaining to people and environment. The project aims to connect the northern and southern parts of the state. However, the perceived environmental, social, and economic impacts have spurred protests and opposition from local communities and environmentalists.
The highway passes through 20 coastal grama panchayats (local self-government bodies) and 11 municipalities and four municipal corporations and involves acquisition of 540.61 hectares of land. The total distance of the coastal highway is 623km, passing through nine districts - Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Alappuzha, Ernakulam, Thrissur, Malappuram, Kozhikode and Kannur.
One of the primary concerns surrounding the coastal highway is its potential environmental impact. The proposed route cuts through ecologically sensitive zones, including mangroves, wetlands, and fragile coastal ecosystems. Critics argue that the construction and maintenance of the highway could lead to habitat destruction, loss of biodiversity, and disruption of crucial ecological balances.
Coastal erosion in Kerala poses a critical environmental challenge exacerbated by human activities and development projects. Rapid urbanization, unregulated construction, and inadequate coastal management have intensified erosion along Kerala’s coastline, threatening ecosystems and communities. Infrastructure projects, including ports and resorts, often disregard ecological consequences, accelerating the loss of coastal land, vital to the fishing communities. The delicate balance between development aspirations and environmental preservation remains precarious.
The project’s impact on marine life is also a cause for concern. The construction of bridges and causeways may obstruct natural water flow, affecting fish migration patterns and disrupting the livelihoods of traditional fishing communities. Additionally, the increased human activity along the coast could lead to pollution, threatening the health of marine ecosystems.
The coastal highway project has raised apprehensions among local communities, especially those whose homes and livelihoods are intertwined with the coastal landscape. The displacement of fishing communities and the potential loss of their traditional way of life have become focal points of contention. Fisherfolk express concerns about losing access to fishing grounds and being marginalized by the development project.
The announcement of the coastal highway project has sparked widespread protests, with environmentalists, local communities, and activists coming together to voice their concerns. Demonstrations, public hearings, and awareness campaigns have been organized to highlight the potential adverse effects and seek a reconsideration of the project.
Fishermen’s unions have been particularly vocal in their opposition, emphasizing the threat posed to their livelihoods by the highway’s construction. The concerns range from the destruction of fishing habitats to the potential displacement of entire communities, adding a socio-economic dimension to the protests.
Women are often at the forefront of protests by fisherpeople to protect ocean resources due to their deep-rooted connections to coastal ecosystems. They bear the brunt of environmental degradation, facing dwindling fish stocks and polluted waters impacting livelihoods and communities. Their traditional roles in managing household economies and coastal resources give them a firsthand understanding of ecological changes. Women’s involvement amplifies the moral and social dimensions of protests, advocating for sustainable fishing practices and conservation measures. Their leadership brings inclusivity and resilience to movements, emphasizing intergenerational equity and community well-being in the face of ecological threats to marine environments.
Environmental activists argue for alternative, more sustainable transportation solutions that minimize ecological impact. They stress the importance of comprehensive environmental impact assessments (EIAs) and transparent public consultations in decision-making processes.
