In a concerning development, significant holes have emerged on the renowned Varkala Cliff, prompting fears about visitor safety in one of Kerala’s premier tourist destinations. These cavities, discovered near the Nature Care Hospital, represent a larger pattern of deterioration exacerbated by relentless sea erosion, wave assaults, unauthorized constructions, and inadequate sewage infrastructure.
Sanjay Sahadevan, advisor to the Varkala Tourism Development Association, emphasized the urgency of the situation, recounting how swift action was taken to fill the deep gaps with truckloads of sand to prevent potential accidents and landslides. The association has also escalated the matter to Tourism Minister P A Mohamed Riyas for immediate attention.
The gravity of the issue has prompted tourism authorities to engage with the District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) to explore emergency measures for safeguarding the cliff. Despite numerous studies conducted over the past few years, proposing various conservation projects, the erosion persists unabated. Sanjay lamented the paralysis in implementing these initiatives, warning of the escalating risk posed by landslides, particularly with the onset of heavy rains.
In 2019, the National Centre for Earth Science Studies, in collaboration with the National Centre for Coastal Research (NCCR), launched a comprehensive study, backed by a significant investment from the Union Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES), aimed at protecting the cliff. This study identified interventions totaling Rs 140 crore to mitigate erosion and preserve the geological integrity of the site.
Additionally, Vision Varkala Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd’s MD, V Ramachandran Potty, disclosed government efforts to address the issue of wastewater management from the numerous commercial establishments and resorts situated atop the cliff. The involvement of the Centre for Water Resources Development and Management (CWRDM) underscores the seriousness with which authorities are approaching the environmental challenges confronting Varkala.
With over 200 resorts dotting the cliff, the daily discharge of septage waste directly onto the cliff exacerbates the environmental strain. Urgent action is imperative to not only preserve the natural beauty of Varkala but also to ensure the safety and well-being of its visitors and residents alike. The collaborative efforts of governmental agencies, environmental experts, and local stakeholders will be crucial in devising sustainable solutions to safeguard this iconic landmark for future generations.
