Coastal promenade in ChellanamPuthenthode hall turns successful

The 7.36-km-long seawall constructed alongside the Chellanam–Puthenthode hall in West Kochi, together with the adjoining sprawling walkway, is rising as a preferred vacationer attraction in Ernakulam district.

Built at a price of roughly ₹344 crore and mentioned to be the longest of its sort in Kerala, there may be rising demand to put in benches and lights atop the seawall-cum-walkway to draw extra guests to the stretch, which has 16 entry factors. “The seawall, constructed utilizing granite boulders and tetrapods, together with the two.5-metre-wide walkway that includes a barricade on the western aspect and the abundance of contemporary air, has in latest instances drawn 1000’s of individuals from Kochi metropolis and even neighbouring districts,” mentioned V. T. Sebastian, common convener of the Chellanam–Kochi Janakeeya Vedhi, which is on the forefront of the agitation demanding that the seawall be prolonged as much as Fort Kochi to forestall sea incursion alongside the coast.

The walkway, constructed at a top of round three metres from the shoreline, was accomplished in 2024. Visitors embody anglers in addition to those that get pleasure from strolling safely alongside the newly constructed stretch. Their essential demand, he added, is for benches and lights to be put in by sponsors or tourism companies so that individuals might relaxation and go to the world even late within the night.

‘Extend walkway’

The Janakeeya Vedhi and different teams have stepped up their demand to increase the walkway by one other 6.5 km as much as Fort Kochi, a venture the federal government had assured in 2023, now estimated to value round ₹306 crore. Once accomplished, it might create a 14 km-long sea wall-cum-beach walkway.

Responding to the demand for benches and lights, sources within the District Tourism Promotion Council (DTPC) mentioned the company’s council assembly had mentioned the matter. “These could be put in as soon as the native physique or different involved companies problem a no-objection certificates (NOC). This would assist entice extra guests, particularly because the scenic walkway is situated beside the Alappuzha-Kochi coastal highway. Infrastructure for parking would additionally have to be developed,” they added.

‘Triumph of resilience’

Referring to the seawall as a triumph of resilience, heritage fanatic Mini Ulanat mentioned she had witnessed Chellanam endure the ocean’s fury each monsoon since childhood. “With the seawall in place, it’s heartening to see locals and guests having fun with peaceable walks alongside the walkway, watching the sundown. The indisputable fact that many different coastal areas are nonetheless battling the tides is a reminder that coastal safety measures should attain such susceptible stretches too,” she mentioned.

“With considerate planning, higher facilities, ecotourism initiatives, and cultural interpretation, this may evolve right into a mannequin of how communities can stay in concord with the ocean whereas preserving our heritage,” she added.

The demand for extra coastal walkways within the Greater Kochi space is growing, particularly since a lot of the Fort Kochi seaside, as soon as a serious vacationer draw, has been misplaced to sea incursion. The adjoining walkway has additionally suffered harm and developed cracks in a number of locations as a consequence of poor upkeep by Kerala Tourism.

‘Immense potential’

A Kerala Tourism official mentioned that the Chellanam–Puthenthode coastal walkway had immense potential to draw guests who as soon as frequented Fort Kochi, supplied ample infrastructure was developed. He added that they hoped the federal government would allocate ample funds for different walkways, together with the one alongside Fort Kochi seaside.