Report of Joint Committee Member, sub collector, Padmanabhapuram, Kanyakumari district on the construction of a check dam across Kuzhithuraiyar near Erumanthurai in Kanniyakumari district affecting fishing activities.

Thamirabarani also called Kuzhithuraiyar is a perennial river and confluences into Arabian sea near Erayumanthurai. Backwater kayal that formed at the confluence of the river with Arabian Sea and the sandy mouth has been removed at the confluences of the river due to fishing harbour works. As a result of this sea water intruded with river water and salty water has spread around more than 48 villages in the upstream side for a length of 13 km affecting the population of around 2 lakhs. Since the river bed is lower than the mean sea level it is very much essential to arrest the sea water intrusion.

The report concluded by saying that in order to safeguard the livelihood of people on banks of river the check dam is being constructed and this is only meant to restore the preexisted condition. There has been no violation of environmental laws and no damage would be caused to the environment including river bed and surrounding area due to the construction of a check dam.