Poonthura geotube breakwater set for monsoon test

Thiruvananthapuram: After years of delay, fishermen along the Poonthura coast are finally seeing progress as the long-pending offshore geotube breakwater project becomes operational. The coastal protection initiative, aimed at reducing severe sea erosion, reached a key milestone with the completion of geotube installation last month. A team from the National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT) will inspect the site on April 25, and a final report is expected by May 15. However, officials say the system's true performance can only be judged during the southwest monsoon, when wave intensity is at its peak.Implemented by the Kerala State Coastal Area Development Corporation (KSCADC) with technical support from NIOT and funding from the Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board, the Rs 20 crore project is designed to protect vulnerable stretches of the capital's coastline from persistent wave action. Launched in 2021 as a pilot, the project spans about 750 metres, covering Poonthura, Valiyathura, Beemapally and Shankhumukham. It features five offshore breakwater segments, each 100 metres long, placed parallel to the shore at a distance of 80 to 120 metres and at a depth of around six metres. These structures consist of large sand-filled geotubes arranged in three layers. They are designed to dissipate wave energy and encourage natural sand accumulation, helping stabilise the shoreline. KSCADC officials describe the project as a shift towards sustainable coastal protection. "The system works with natural processes rather than resisting them. Initial observations are encouraging," an official said, while noting that the upcoming monsoon will be the first real test after full installation. Fishermen, initially sceptical due to repeated delays, have responded with cautious optimism. Many said they were consulted in later stages and hope the system will safeguard their homes, livelihoods and coastal infrastructure.