Fishermen, residents to stage hartal in Koyilandy over delay in coastal road repair

An action committee comprising coastal residents and fishermen will observe a dawn-to-dusk hartal on September 1, alleging laxity by the authorities in repairing the damaged coastal road between Kappad and Koyilandy.

The protesters, under the banner of a local coastal protection forum, will also take out a march to the office of Koyilandy MLA Kanathil Jameela, demanding urgent action.

According to the action committee leaders, nearly a one-kilometre stretch of the major coastal road leading to the Blue Flag-certified Kappad beach remains in disrepair due to the continued negligence of the Public Works department and local administrators. They pointed out that the delay in maintenance has forced local fishers to depend on longer alternative routes.

“The poor condition of the road has equally affected small-scale tourism entrepreneurs in the area. Many homestays have been forced to shut down, unable to attract customers,” said K.N. Nazeer, a local tourism operator. He also alleged that local authorities have shown little concern in adopting effective coastline protection measures to check sea erosion.