Kanniyakumari District Collector M. Prathap visited Azhikkal village on Wednesday and reviewed the measures being taken to drain water from the village, as seawater had entered the village due to rough sea conditions.

The remedial works were being carried out by the Revenue, Water Resource, Fisheries and Fishermen Welfare Departments. The Collector said that the officials have been directed to desilt the drain in the village to facilitate the discharge of water in Azhikkal village.

He said that Azhikkal and Pillathoppu villages were affected by sand accumulation every year and that precautionary measures were being taken to prevent it. As part of the measures, an earth mover had been deployed to remove the sand accumulated in the drain and clear the blockage, thereby preventing seawater from entering the houses.

Mr. Prathap further said a detailed project report has been sent to the State government for the construction of a sea wall in Azhikkal. Although no major damage had been reported so far in the current year, the district administration would intensify the preventive measures as rough sea conditions were expected in upcoming months, he said.

The Collector also inspected the coastal villages, including Pozhikkarai, Kadiyappatinam and Kodimunai. He directed the fisheries department officials to advise the fishermen engaged in deep-sea fishing to return to shore.

The Collector then inspected the Thengaipattinam fishing harbour and reviewed the facilities at the harbour. He said that steps would be taken to dredge the harbour entrance and restore the auction hall at the fishing harbour.

Fisheries and Fishermen Welfare Department Deputy Director K.T. Gopinath, Fisheries executive engineer Premalatha and other officials were present during the inspection.

Published - August 19, 2026 07:29 pm IST