Sun Jan 12 02:01:12 UTC 2025: ## Kerala Coastal Panchayats Demand Tidal Flooding Be Classified as Disaster

**KOCHI, January 12, 2025** – Twenty coastal panchayats in Ernakulam district, Kerala, are demanding that tidal flooding be officially recognized as a state and national-level disaster. This follows resolutions already passed by Ezhikkara and Edavanakkad panchayats urging the state government to take action.

The call comes after a recent meeting of affected local bodies, organized by the district panchayat, highlighted the devastating impact of tidal flooding on over 12,000 hectares of land, including vital Pokkali farmlands and Ramsar sites. The meeting emphasized that classifying tidal flooding as a disaster would expedite relief efforts, including compensation and temporary relocation for residents whose homes are at risk of collapse.

C.G. Madhusoodhanan, CEO of Equinoct, a Kochi-based community-sourced modelling solution provider, underscored the urgency of the situation. He noted the significant land degradation and the precarious living conditions of affected residents.

However, the Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA) argues that simply classifying tidal flooding as a disaster is insufficient. Instead, they advocate for local bodies to develop long-term mitigation plans, including responsible land-use regulations and risk-informed planning in consultation with district town planners. The KSDMA suggests utilizing the 13th Working Group on disaster management and allocating local funds for mitigation efforts before seeking state assistance.

Local bodies are actively planning mitigation projects for the 2025-26 financial year, including dredging and the purchase of floating earthmovers, with funding potentially sourced from the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme. District panchayat president Manoj Moothedan confirmed the development of a comprehensive action plan based on the recommendations of the affected local bodies, with the continued support of the KSDMA.

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