Between the Waves: Personal Observations on Kerala's Coastal Infrastructure Developments

Article released on January 14, 2025

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are my own and do not represent those of any affiliated organizations or government bodies.

The coastal regions of Kerala have long been centres of maritime activity, supporting vibrant fishing communities and serving as hubs for regional trade. In recent years, these areas have witnessed infrastructural developments, notably the construction of the Vizhinjam International Seaport in the capital city of Thiruvananthapuram.

The Vizhinjam International Seaport, developed by Adani Ports in collaboration with the Kerala government, is envisioned as a pivotal transhipment hub. Strategically located near international shipping routes, the port aims to enhance India's maritime trade capabilities by accommodating ultra-large container vessels. Initiated in 2015, the project faced delays due to land acquisition challenges and local protests but is now progressing toward completion (Source: Reuters).

In parallel, the Muthalapozhi Habour, located near the confluence of the Vamanapuram River and the Arabian Sea (39KMs north of Vizhinjam International Seaport), has been a focal point for local fishing communities. Commissioned in 2020, the harbour has faced significant safety challenges, with hazardous conditions at its mouth leading to numerous accidents and fatalities among fishermen (Source: New Indian Express).

Recognizing these issues, the Union Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying approved a comprehensive development plan for Muthalapozhi Harbour in October 2024. The project, with a budget allocation of Rs 177 crores, aims to enhance safety and infrastructure, including extending the breakwater and implementing modern facilities to support the local fishing industry (Source: New Indian Express).

These developments occur within the broader framework of Kerala's Coastal Zone Management Plan (CZMP). In November 2024, the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change approved the CZMP for ten coastal districts, including Thiruvananthapuram. Aligned with the Coastal Regulation Zone Notification of 2019, the plan seeks to balance developmental aspirations with environmental conservation, ensuring sustainable growth while protecting coastal ecosystems (Source: ENSURE IAS).

During my tenure at the National Centre for Coastal Research (NCCR), I conducted field surveys in Thiruvananthapuram accompanied by Kerala government officials. We aimed to collect data on coastal structures and geomorphology to inform shoreline management plans (SMPs). This article reflects my personal observations and reflections from that period, offering insights into the complexities and challenges associated with coastal development in Kerala.

As part of our field survey in Thiruvananthapuram, I visited the area near the Vizhinjam International Seaport to document coastal structures. While observing the ongoing construction of the seaport's breakwater, I attempted to take photographs from a public beach located adjacent to the site. Despite being in a public area and accompanied by Kerala government officials, private security personnel employed by Adani Ports intervened immediately.

The security staff insisted on deleting the photos, citing security concerns tied to the project. The abruptness of the encounter was a stark reminder of how corporate entities can assert control over spaces that are traditionally considered public. It also raised larger questions about the balance between private development and public access, especially in areas critical to the livelihoods and identities of local communities.

At Muthalapozhi Harbour, a similar story of infrastructural dominance unfolded. During our visit, I observed that a section of the southern breakwater had been dismantled to create a transport facility. Large quantities of rocks, presumably intended for the construction of the Vizhinjam Seaport, were stockpiled near the harbour. Barges were actively ferrying these materials southward toward Vizhinjam.

Officials accompanying us confirmed that these modifications were part of an arrangement with Adani Ports to facilitate the seaport's construction. While the breakwater modification served its purpose for the seaport, it had visibly disrupted the harbour's infrastructure. The dismantling of a protective structure left the harbour mouth more vulnerable, intensifying navigation challenges for local fishermen.

This direct observation underscored a significant interplay between large-scale infrastructural projects and existing coastal facilities. It became clear that such changes, though operationally necessary for one project, can create cascading effects on other parts of the coastline.

The construction of the Vizhinjam International Seaport has elicited significant reactions from local communities, particularly fishermen whose livelihoods are intertwined with the coastal ecosystem. Fisherfolk have expressed fears that the port's development could exacerbate coastal erosion, disrupt marine ecosystems, and threaten their livelihoods. In mid-2022, protests intensified, with demonstrations staging sit-ins at the port entrance in Mulloor, demanding a halt to construction and a comprehensive environmental impact assessment (Source: Down to Earth).

The Latin Catholic Archdiocese of Thiruvananthapuram has played a significant role in mobilizing the community against the project, highlighting the socio-economic challenges faced by the fisherfolk. Their involvement underscores the deep-seated concerns about the long-term implications of the port on coastal communities. (Source: New Indian Express).

Muthalapozhi Harbour has been plagued by safety concerns, with frequent boat accidents resulting in numerous fatalities. Between 2015 and 2023, over 70 fishermen lost their lives due to hazardous conditions at the harbour mouth. The dismantling of the southern breakwater to facilitate material transport for the Vizhinjam International Seaport has been linked to increased risks, as it altered tidal patterns and sediment deposition, exacerbating navigational challenges (Source: Down to Earth).

However, there have been allegations of non-compliance with these dredging responsibilities, leading to hazardous conditions for local fishermen. The Kerala government has intervened, directing Adani Ports to resume dredging activities to ensure the safety of the harbour. High-level meetings have been held to address these issues, emphasizing the need for adherence to agreements to protect the lives and livelihoods of the fishing communities (Source: New Indian Express).

The Kerala government has acknowledged the challenges posed by both the Vizhinjam International Seaport and Muthalapozhi Harbour developments. In June 2024, Fisheries Minister Saji Cheriyan informed the Assembly of plans to find a permanent solution to the safety and infrastructure issues at Muthalapozhi Harbour within the next 18 months. This includes comprehensive development plans aimed at enhancing safety and supporting the local fishing industry (Source: Onmanorma).

Adani Ports, on its part, has reiterated its commitment to complying with environmental regulations and addressing community concerns. The company has engaged in dialogues with the state government to ensure that the development of the Vizhinjam International Seaport proceeds in a manner that balances economic growth with environmental sustainability and social responsibility (Source: Business Standard).

The developments at Vizhinjam and Muthalapozhi highlight the complex interplay between large-scale infrastructure projects and local communities. While such projects promise economic benefits and enhanced trade capabilities, they also pose significant challenges, including environmental degradation, displacement of communities, and safety hazards.

The ongoing public discourse underscores the necessity for inclusive planning processes that genuinely consider the voices of affected communities. It also highlights the importance of rigorous environmental assessments and the implementation of mitigation measures to address potential adverse impacts.

The use of Planet Lab's satellite imagery allowed me to revisit two pivotal sites from my fieldwork: the Vizhinjam International Seaport and Muthalapozhi Harbour. These high-resolution time-lapses provided not just a unique perspective on these infrastructural projects but also a sense of empowerment. Where access and documentation were restricted on the ground, satellite imagery enabled continuous and objective monitoring from above.

My experience during an official survey with the private security personnel of Adani Ports raised questions about the balance of corporate authority in shared spaces. It highlighted the challenges of documenting such large-scale developments from the ground. However, exploring Planet Labs' historical satellite data offered a way to overcome these limitations. The imagery enabled me to track the progress of the Vizhinjam Seaport in remarkable detail, capturing its transformation phase by phase. This capability highlighted satellite data's critical role in ensuring transparency and accountability, even when ground access is constrained.

Vizhinjam Seaport Construction Timelapse

The timelapse captures the evolution of the Vizhinjam International Seaport, chronicling the steady expansion of its breakwaters and land reclamation activities. This visual record complements the narrative of progress while offering a lens to assess potential environmental impacts, such as shoreline alterations and sediment displacement. From the 2024 satellite image, we can clearly see the reclaimed land region, the region where container cranes and cargo are located, the loaded and unloading docking stations, and two parked ships compared to the 2017 satellite image, where the project is still in its very early phase.

Muthalapozhi Harbour Breakwater Restoration

The timelapse of Muthalapozhi Harbour offers a compelling narrative of intervention and restoration. The dismantling of a section of the southern breakwater to facilitate the Vizhinjam Seaport's construction had inadvertently compromised the harbour's safety, leading to hazardous conditions for local fishermen. The satellite imagery poignantly captures this disruption and the subsequent restoration efforts. By late 2024, the breakwater appears reinstated to its original state, aligning with the reports that the restoration work is in its final stage (Source: Times of India).

Empowering Coastal Monitoring with Technology

The use of satellite imagery brings significant advantages:

• Unrestricted Monitoring: it eliminates ground-level barriers, ensuring continuous documentation of projects.

• High-Resolution Insights: It provides detailed visuals of even subtle changes in coastal morphology and infrastructure development.

• Transparency and Accountability: By offering an independent means of observation, it supports evidence-based discourse around such transformative projects.

This experience has reaffirmed the value of combining fieldwork with technological tools. Where access on the ground might be restricted or challenging, satellite data becomes an ally, enabling us to track, analyze, and contribute to conversations about sustainable development and community welfare.

The stories of Vizhinjam Seaport and Muthalapozhi Harbour reflect the complexities of coastal development—where economic ambitions intersect with environmental realities and community livelihoods. These projects highlight the importance of adopting a holistic approach that balances infrastructural progress with sustainability and inclusivity. My journey, from field observations restricted by on-ground challenges to discovering the power of satellite imagery, underscores the transformative potential of technology in fostering transparency and accountability. As coastal regions worldwide face similar dilemmas, the lessons from Kerala emphasize the need for open dialogue, rigorous planning, and a commitment to protecting the fragile balance between development and natural ecosystems. Ultimately, it is through collaboration—between governments, corporations, researchers, and local communities—that truly sustainable coastal futures can be shaped. 

1. Planet Team (2025). Planet Application Program Interface: In Space for Life on Earth. San Francisco, CA. https://api.planet.com