Chavara: The famous Kattil Mekkathil Temple in Ponmana is facing a severe threat of sea erosion. Due to ongoing sand mining on the northern and southern sides of the temple, the seawall constructed on its western side has collapsed and sunk into the sea. Waves crashing inside the temple compound wall pose a major threat, leaving the boundary structure on the verge of collapse. Despite direct intervention and instructions from the District Collector to urgently initiate seawall construction to counter monsoon erosion, authorities continue to show a lax approach. Intense sea erosion persists directly behind the sanctum sanctorum of the shrine, which attracts thousands of devotees daily.
The protective seawall that guarded the temple against coastal erosion has completely submerged under the impact of heavy waves. Initially, the temple administrative committee managed the situation at their own expense by stacking sandbags. However, as monsoon rains intensified, waves began surging into the temple premises through the sides. Although earthmovers have been used to pile up sand barriers to hold back seawater, the temple and its surroundings will be in grave danger if these sand embankments are washed away.
Following representations by the temple committee detailing the situation, District Collector Annie Jula Thomas and Sub-Collector Akhil V. Menon personally visited the site on July 8 to review the crisis. Directives were issued to immediately construct a seawall, deposit ₹2 crore into the Irrigation Department from KMML’s special fund, and execute urgent construction works through the Irrigation Department.
Although an estimate of ₹3,90,00,000 was prepared for strengthening the seawall and constructing a breakwater to protect the ancient temple, and ₹87,50,000 was deposited with the Irrigation Department, only 25% of the work has been completed. Considering the emergency, a meeting chaired by the District Collector was held at the temple in 2026 following repeated requests from the temple management. Although it was agreed to transfer ₹2 crore to the Irrigation Department for temple protection, no action has been taken so far. Temple officials stated that despite coastal protection works falling under the purview of the Irrigation Department, its negligence continues to jeopardize the very existence of the temple.
For more details: Navamalayalam.com