Residents are seeking urgent measures to protect the banks of rivers Iruvanjippuzha, Cherupuzha

A house stands precariously after erosion of the river bank along Iruvanjippuzha in Kozhikode district. | Photo credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT

Bank erosion along the Iruvanjippuzha and Cherupuzha rivers has emerged as a major problem in Kozhikode district where several houses, agricultural land and public infrastructure in Karassery and Kodiyathur grama panchayats face increasing threat during the monsoon.

Residents said large tracts of farmland are washed away every year as rivers swell during the rainy season, causing heavy financial losses to farmers. They claimed that repeated promises by the authorities to strengthen vulnerable sections of riverbanks have not translated into permanent protection measures.

A few houses located near the banks have also been left in a precarious state, with the rivers steadily eating away at private land over the years. Many families said they now live in constant fear of further erosion whenever there is heavy rain.

People in the affected areas said they have been pushing for permanent protection works on the river bank for more than a decade. They also expressed concern that several of the project’s drinking water reservoirs located along the banks are prone to erosion, posing a risk to public infrastructure.

According to Mohammed Kakkad, a resident and activist, the banks of both rivers need urgent protection. “Erosion of river banks is a serious threat to houses and agricultural land. Although retaining walls have been constructed at several places, long stretches remain unprotected. Houses may be lost to the rivers if timely measures are not taken. The authorities should introduce comprehensive measures to protect the banks without further delay,” Mr Kakkad said.

Published – 16 Jul 2026 20:12 IST