Muthalapozhi Harbour, a crucial lifeline for the local fishing community in Thiruvananthapuram, has become the epicenter of a growing dispute between fishermen and authorities over the delayed dredging of its harbour mouth. For several months, local fishermen have raised alarms about the accumulation of sand in Muthalapozhi Harbour, which has rendered it increasingly difficult for fishing boats to navigate. The impact of this issue on their livelihoods has led to protests, with the latest one escalating into a blockade of the busy Perumathura-Anchuthengu Road. The ongoing protest highlights the urgency of the issue and demands accountability for the delay in dredging operations at Muthalapozhi Harbour.
1. Background of the Muthalapozhi Harbour Issue
Muthalapozhi Harbour has long been a vital resource for thousands of fishermen from the surrounding coastal areas. The harbour serves as a key access point for fishing boats that venture into the sea daily. However, due to natural sedimentation, sand accumulates at the harbour mouth over time, obstructing the smooth passage of boats. Dredging is essential to maintain the depth of Muthalapozhi Harbour and ensure that it remains navigable.
The dredging work at Muthalapozhi Harbour was initially set to continue as part of an ongoing maintenance project, but this activity has been stalled since July 2024. The cessation of dredging has caused serious problems for the fishermen who depend on Muthalapozhi Harbour for their daily catch.
2. Fishermen’s Protest and the Call for Immediate Action
Frustrated with the inaction from the authorities, hundreds of fishermen took to the streets on March 20, 2025, to stage a protest and block the Perumathura-Anchuthengu Road. The blockade, which lasted several hours, brought traffic in the area to a standstill, drawing significant attention to the issue. The protesters, representing over 7,000 fishermen from Muthalapozhi to Poothura beach, demanded that dredging activities resume immediately to prevent further damage to their boats.
One of the prominent voices in the protest was Sajeeb Sainudheen, vice-chairman of Muthalapozhi Avakasa Samrakshana Samithi. He emphasized the severity of the issue, noting that, in the past week alone, around nine boats had been damaged due to the sand accumulation at the harbour mouth of Muthalapozhi Harbour. The fishermen’s frustrations have reached a boiling point, leading them to escalate their protests after numerous smaller demonstrations failed to yield results.
3. The Economic Impact of the Dredging Delay
The delay in dredging at Muthalapozhi Harbour is not just an inconvenience—it is causing direct economic damage to the local fishing community. Fishermen have reported an increasing number of boats being damaged as they try to navigate the shallow, sand-filled harbour. With boats frequently running aground, the costs of repairs have mounted, placing a heavy financial burden on fishermen already struggling with rising operational costs.
Moreover, the disruption of normal fishing activities at Muthalapozhi Harbour has resulted in a loss of income for many families that depend on the harbour for their livelihoods. The inability to safely launch boats has led to fewer fishing trips, affecting both the fishermen and the local markets that rely on fresh catches.
4. The Role of Adani Port and Harbour Engineering Department
The root cause of the delay can be traced back to a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed in 2018 between the Harbour Engineering Department (HED) and Adani Vizhinjam Port Private Ltd (AVPPL). According to the MoU, it is the responsibility of Adani Port to ensure that the harbour mouth of Muthalapozhi Harbour remains navigable by dredging the accumulated sand and maintaining a depth of five meters.
However, in July 2024, Adani Port halted its dredging activities at Muthalapozhi Harbour, citing operational and logistical challenges. Since then, the responsibility has shifted to the Harbour Engineering Department, which agreed to undertake the dredging work at Muthalapozhi Harbour on the condition that Adani Port would fund the necessary operations.
Unfortunately, despite repeated assurances from Adani Port, the funds for the dredging at Muthalapozhi Harbour were delayed, and the dredging process could not be resumed. The lack of timely funding has further complicated the situation, as contractors and agencies involved in the dredging refused to begin work until the necessary deposit was made.
5. Financial and Administrative Challenges in Resuming Dredging
The delay in dredging at Muthalapozhi Harbour was primarily due to a delay in the required financial deposit. Adani Port was supposed to deposit ₹2.05 crores to fund the dredging work, but it wasn’t until March 19, 2025, that the payment was finally made. The delay in this deposit led to a series of setbacks, as the Harbour Engineering Department could not proceed without securing the necessary funds.
Once the deposit was received, the Harbour Engineering Department moved quickly to invite tenders for the work. According to officials, a dredger will be brought from Thrissur to begin the dredging at Muthalapozhi Harbour within the next four days, signaling the long-awaited resumption of operations.
6. The Path Forward: What’s Next for Muthalapozhi Harbour
The fishermen’s protest at Muthalapozhi Harbour has already led to positive developments, with the Harbour Engineering Department assuring the community that dredging will begin within four days. This commitment to action, however, does not erase the frustrations that have built up over the past several months. The fishermen are hoping that this promise will be kept, but they remain wary given the history of delays.
Looking ahead, the authorities must ensure that regular maintenance is carried out to prevent such issues from recurring in the future. The responsibility for maintaining the harbour mouth of Muthalapozhi Harbour should be clear, and a system must be put in place to ensure that funding is available on time to prevent any more disruptions.
7. Conclusion
The delay in dredging at Muthalapozhi Harbour has created significant economic hardships for local fishermen, who rely on the harbour for their livelihoods. While authorities have promised to resume dredging soon, the issue raises questions about accountability and the need for timely action in matters that affect local communities.
The protest by fishermen at Muthalapozhi Harbour is a stark reminder that when the needs of the community are ignored, frustration builds, and change becomes necessary. The authorities and Adani Port must work together to prevent further delays and ensure the long-term viability of Muthalapozhi Harbour for the thousands who depend on it.