Tue Oct 14 12:13:03 UTC 2025: **Summary:**
Residents of Chellanam and surrounding areas in Kochi, India, are returning to their homes that were damaged and abandoned due to severe sea erosion. The government promised to construct a tetrapod-based seawall to protect the coastline, but progress on the second phase of the project has been slow. Many families are forced to return due to financial constraints, relying on the government’s assurances despite the lack of visible progress. The Chellanam-Kochi Janakeeya Vedhi is continuing its protests, demanding a permanent solution to the sea incursion.
**News Article:**
**Kochi Residents Return to Sea-Battered Homes, Trusting Delayed Seawall Promise**
**KOCHI, October 14, 2025** – Despite the slow progress of a crucial seawall project, families in the coastal villages of Chellanam and surrounding areas in Kochi are returning to their homes ravaged by relentless sea erosion. Forced to abandon their houses after severe sea incursion in June 2024, many families are now struggling to afford rent and are putting their faith in the government’s promise to construct a tetrapod-based seawall.
P.B. George, a resident of Puthenthode, is one of many who has been spending his days repairing his house, damaged by the sea over a year ago. Like other families, George was forced to relocate to a rented home. “The work area and bathroom were completely destroyed,” said his wife, Sibi George, who had to take on a job to manage the increased costs. Now asked to vacate their rental, the family is returning to their damaged home, fueled by the hope of the promised seawall.
The government announced the second phase of the seawall project, a ₹306 crore undertaking to protect the 3.60-km stretch from Puthenthode to Cheriyakkadavu, on July 2nd, but progress remains slow. While the first phase, completed in 2023, brought some relief to other areas, the most vulnerable regions are still awaiting protection.
“Many families…are returning to their near-abandoned homes, trusting the government’s assurance,” said V.T. Sebastian, general convenor of the Chellanam-Kochi Janakeeya Vedhi, a local organization demanding a permanent solution. “Moreover, many can no longer afford to pay rent.”
As residents attempt to restore their lives, the Chellanam-Kochi Janakeeya Vedhi is preparing to mark its seventh year of protest with a dharna on October 28th, underscoring the urgency of the situation and demanding swift action from the authorities. The future of these coastal communities hangs in the balance, dependent on the timely completion of the promised seawall.
First Piper 