Studies show that 65% of Kerala’s coastline is undergoing erosion, the second highest rate in the country after West Bengal’s 70%. https://thewire.in/environment/caught-between-land-and-sea-keralas-coastal-communities-weigh-climate-stress-against-livelihood
Residents consistently express a deep attachment to the region and consider life in coastal areas to be the best, except for the threat of the encroaching sea. This is evident in their responses to extreme events: unless their house becomes uninhabitable, people prefer to go back, repair, rebuild and resettle. This cycle often continues for years before they start considering migration as a viable option. By then, they are financially exhausted and, in many cases, in debt.
Relocation housing is provided for a limited number of coastal residents. However, often, the sociocultural and livelihood aspects are overlooked, leading to issues post-relocation. For instance, high-rise buildings recently provided for relocated households may be economically efficient but differ greatly from traditional housing, reducing their acceptability. Relocating fisherfolk to areas without access to harbours can lead to negative outcomes and increase financial vulnerability.
24/06/2024