Muthalapozhi: SHRC seeks report on measures taken

Thiruvananthapuram: The state human rights commission (SHRC) chairperson, Justice Alexander Thomas, has directed the secretary of the ports department to submit a report on the measures taken to prevent the recurring boat accidents at the Muthalapozhi estuary, which have resulted in the deaths of fishermen.The commission has also asked for an explanation about the prevailing situation at the harbour. The report will have to be submitted within a month. The chief engineer of harbour engineering informed the commission that 66 people have died in accidents at the estuary and sea from Jan 2011 to Aug 2023.In light of the ongoing accidents, the central water and power research station in Pune has been instructed to identify and suggest solutions for the defects in the construction of the breakwater. The harbour engineering department disclosed before the commission that the issues will be addressed based on their suggestions.The department also mentioned that Adani Ports has been strictly instructed to complete the dredging by removing the rocks lying in the estuary and the channel. The process of removing the sediment from the southern part of the port and depositing it in the northern part, where erosion is occurring, has been completed. Additionally, more lifeguards will be deployed for safety, and an ambulance has been provided.The commission considered the case based on a complaint filed by Kowdiar Harikumar, who sought the intervention of SHRC for the prevention of frequent accidents at Muthalapozhi.