Planning Interventions for the Coastal Region Near Kollam Port

Home , Ashtamudi Lake, Chinnakada, Economy of Kollam, Kollam, Kollam Beach, Kollam Port

ISSN (Online) 2456 -1304

International Journal of Science, Engineering and Management (IJSEM) Vol 5, Issue 4, April 2020

Planning interventions for the coastal region near Kollam port

[1] Deepu Bharadan, [2] Harsha Hashir [1] M Urban planning student (TKMCE, Kollam) [2] Professor (TKMCE, Kollam)

Abstract: - Kollam is an ancient port city which has a heritage lineage of more than 2000 years. The port loses its significance in the modern era due to many political and technological reasons. Now several major modernization projects have been proposed for Kollam port in order to transform it into the "port city of Kerala" by the Government of Kerala. Development of trade, transportation and tourism associated with the Kollam port will enforce a transformation of the coastal region near the port and the port-city relationship. The paper focuses on the study and analysis of parameters adopted for the renewal of coastal regions associated with ports through literature studies and its adaptability in the study area. The study envisions suggesting strategies for the sustainable development of the coastal region near Kollam port.

Key words— Port-city relationships, Sustainable development, Development goals, Urban renewal, Community participation

I. INTRODUCTION sillimanite, titanium dioxide, blood products, newsprint and waste paper, cement, urea and muriate of potash for fertilizer, City of Kollam or Quilon is a Port city in South India and packed food, rubber, agricultural products and cement as well was the commercial capital of erstwhile Kingdom of as other commodities and products for local companies such Travancore. It is situated on the Laccadive Sea coast of South as Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre in Trivandrum and Kerala Kerala. The city is known as the "Gateway to the backwaters Minerals and Metals. of Kerala” [1]. The city lies on the banks of Ashtamudi Lake, The entire hinterland for Kollam port has been divided into Kerala's second largest lake, on the Arabian Sea coast. Major two major cargo belts. The primary hinterland has been parts of Kollam city are covered by Ashtamudi Lake. treated as the districts of Kerala adjoining to the Thankassery Kollam Port is one of the historic ports situated 4 port and the secondary hinterland as the border districts of kilometers (2.5 mi) away from Downtown Kollam (formerly Tamil Nadu [2]. Primary hinterlands: Kollam, Quilon).It is the second largest port in Kerala by volume of Pathanamthitta, parts of Alappuzha, Kottayam, and Idukki cargo handled and facilities. Located on the south-west coast districts. of India, under the name of Quilon Port it became one of the Secondary hinterlands: Kanyakumari, Theni, Madurai, country's most important trade hubs from the first to the Virudunagar, Thirunnelveli [2]. seventeenth centuries. Kollam was considered one of the four early ports in the global sea trade around the 10-13th century, II. CONTEXT along with Alexandria and Cairo in Egypt, the Chinese city The government of Kerala proposed several projects to the of Quanzhou, and Malacca in the Malaysian archipelago. coastal region along with the developments of Kollam port. The wharf at Kollam Port is 177 meters (581 ft.) in length Some are: and 12 meters (39 ft.) wide with an available draught of 6.5 1. Co-operation with Tuicorin port-raw cashews will meters (21 ft.), whereby vessels up to 15,000 DWT can berth arrive at Tuticorin Port and then be trans-shipped to Kollam directly. The wharf is protected from the waves by a 2,100 Port through small container ships. meters (6,900 ft.) seaboard breakwater and a 500 meters 2. New passenger terminal and cargo terminal: Kollam (1,600 ft.) leeward breakwater. The length of the wharf will city is very close to Minicoy compared to Kochi (Aiming be increased to 200 meters (660 ft.) in due course. In 2007, passenger service from Lakshadweep).Opening of National Kollam Port handled about 500,000 tons of cargo. Waterway-3 connecting Kollam city will invite more Commodities currently planned for the port to export and passengers to Kollam. imports include marble, tiles, sand, titanium ore, cashew nuts, 3. Kerala coastal highway project-The coastal highway kernels and nut shell liquid, seafood, clay, timber logs, passes through nine districts of the state, connecting the

International Journal of Science, Engineering and Management (IJSEM) Vol 5, Issue 4, April 2020 major ports of Vallarpadom, Kollam, and Vizhinjam in history of trading. The Portuguese, Chinese were engaged in Kerala along with several minor ports. trade at Kollam. The district has a geographical area of about 4. Developing seafood industry- enhances marine 2500 sq.km. The comparative narrow continental shelf fisheries; which force more seafood export. sprawls over an area of 3500 sq.km. Kollam has a rich These projects will lead to a transformation in the coastal fisheries heritage sanctified with37 km coastline and area which already occupied with different organically grown Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) extends unto 200 nautical settlements (fishermen, fish landings etc.) along with some miles far beyond the continental shelf. In which Kollam preservation of historical contents. corporation occupies 17.2 km coastline from To face lift the coastal region around Kollam port need an Shakthikulangara to Mayyanad .The total geographical area inclusive approach which should lead to a sustainable green of Kollam corporation is 57 sq.km.Kollam Corporation is port area which should consider the socio economic aspects ardently rich with marine, brackish water, fresh water of the local community and their needs. resources. These water bodies inhabit a wide variety of flora and fauna. Coastal area consist of 2 fishing harbors, 10 III. CURRENT STATUS/ACTIVITIES fishing villages and 11 fish landings .About 6000 working fishermen engaged in fishing sectors from this 10 fishing A significant amount of traditional fishermen settlements villages. Kollam is the highest fish producing district of are near the port which improves marine fisheries but delays Kerala. port development. There are commercial establishment along With th gifted marine wealth, the sector is an evergreen the Altharamood -port road as well as Kochupilammood to sector in Kollam A problem that the sector faces is the beach rod which connects port to NH and as well as unavailability of an exporting port Most of the exports from downtown Kollam. The development of Kollam port will Kollam happen through Cochin port or Tuticorin port Even enhance the development of commercial core of Kollam though, the sector has challenges, the sector is growing at a Municipal Corporation. The coastal region near Kollam port pretty good rate Marine Processing industries are also being area had engaged with fishing activities. There is a total of 12 established throughout Coastal areas of Kollam [3]. markets are working near the port. To the south-west 200000 Thankasseri light house and Old Dutch fort is present as 150000 heritage content. There is an industrial estate near to the 100000 Kollam port known as H&C in a distance of 1.5km A couple of small industrial units working in Altharammodu and 50000 Kottamukku region. 0

Figure 2.Fish production (Kollam Corporation) 2012- 2017 B. Other Industries: Kollam as a district has historically been an area of industrial importance for Kerala. The district had major industrial units like ALIND, Quilon Ceramics, United Electrical Industries Limited(UNILEC) (popularly known as the Meter Company), Parvathy Mills Limited, Industrial Estates in Kollam City etc. But, most of these old public sector industries have been closed. The district has Figure 1.Activities near Kollam port shown great export potential through marine fisheries sector The fishing villages Vady, Thankassery, Port Kollam, and cashew industries. Pallithottam and Moothakkara were 43% of total fishermen Last decade there were more than 600 cashew processing of Kollam Municipal Corporation are close to the Kollam units in the city. Almost 800,000 tons of raw cashews are port. imported to the city for processing every year. Most of The major economic sectors allied to the port are: India’s export quality cashew kernels are prepared in Kollam. A. Marine Fisheries: The ancient harbor town Kollam, the Hence it’s called the cashew capital of the World. Now The once capital of Venad, has been in prominence in the Indian Cashew sector is also showing weakness. Even though the

International Journal of Science, Engineering and Management (IJSEM) Vol 5, Issue 4, April 2020 major sectors in Kollam is showing weakness, Kollam is Ammachiveedu junction the width is about 12 meters and it showing good growth prospects in small scale industrial is also straight. There are lots of residential buildings on both sector [4]. sides of this road. The level difference between the said Two important agencies are working at Kollam city for the Ammachiveedu junction and the wharf is 4.5 meters [2]. export promotion and growth of cashew business of the city. 2. From Port gate to Beach and then to Trivandrum - 1. Cashew Export Promotion Council of India The second road starts from the port via Kochupilamood (CEPCI) junction ends near Kollam Beach. This is nearly 1,935 meters 2. Kerala State Cashew Development Corporation long and the road continues from there via Varkala along the Limited (KSCDC). coast to Thiruvananthapuram. The said coastal road is now CEPCI is serves as an intermediary between importers of under construction. The width of this road from the cashew kernels and exporters who are members of the beginning up to 200 meters is 5 meters and there is a school, council. CEPCI is expecting a rise in export to 275,000 tons church and other residential building on both sides. The by 2020. remaining 1,735 meters there are a lot of buildings on the The Kerala State Cashew Development Corporation right side and on the left side are filled with slums and other Limited (KSCDC) formed to safeguard the cashew labors type of buildings. Kollam canal also passes by the left side of and to provide maximum employment to its workers and to this road. This road is nearly 8 meters wide (varies from 8to give statutory benefits like minimum wages, bonus, etc. 10 meters). There is a narrow bridge existing at prevailing in the cashew industry [4]. Kochupilamood junction and it has been given to understand Traditional industries like coir and handloom are also that Public Works Department, Kollam is proposing to shows growth in last decade. construct a new bridge. The level difference between the said beach side road and wharf is 3.14 meters [2]. Service 3. From Port gate via Kochuplamoodu junction and then to Police camp The third road starts from the 600 Kochupilamood junction to Police Camp junction which is 400 382 860 meters. Through this road, freight can be transported via 285 200 151 175 182 NH 47 to Thiruvananthapuram without touching Kollam City 0 180 141 120 480 360 traffic. Width of this road is nearly 14 meters and it is also

2012-13 2013-14 2014-15 2015-16 2016-17 straight. There are big buildings on both sides. The level No. of services of No. Years difference between the said police camp junction and the wharf is 7.5 meters [2]. 4. From Port gate to Kochuplamoodu junction to Micro Small Medium Chinnakada round about (which is the Main city center for

Figure 3.Year wise growth of MSME's(Kollam Kollam).The fourth road starts from the Kochupilamood Corporation) junction ends near Chinnakada roundabout which is 1,140 meters long. Through this road freight can be transported via IV. ROAD DEVELOPMENT NEEDS NH 208 to Thengassi, Tamilnadu. But this road is direct link to Kollam City. The width of this road is 14 meters and it is There are four major roads which connect the urban area to straight. There is lot of shops in both sides. The level the port zone to transfer freights as well as other transports. difference between the said Chinnakada roundabout junction There need significant changes in the road width to make the and the wharf is 8 meters [2]. traffic flow favorable. Roads are; 1. From Port gate to Ammachiveedu junction -One road starts from the gate of the port to Ammachiveedu junction which is 1,832 meters long. Through this road, freight can be transported via NH 47 to Kochi without touching Kollam City Traffic. But the width of this road up to 630 meres is only 7 meres. Beyond 630 meters till 1150metres the road width is varied from 10 to 13 meters. Beyond 1,150 meters till the end of this road i.e.

International Journal of Science, Engineering and Management (IJSEM) Vol 5, Issue 4, April 2020

Integrating societies: 1. In active collaboration with the academics in research and training, ports and the port industries should contribute to put in place specific training curricula. The contents of the course programmes should be regularly adjusted in order to correspond better to the requirements of a port economy in constant development. These programmes should contain both short and long courses order to satisfy both technical and service tradecrafts [5]. 2. The city port interface sites are frequently rich in respect to the social history of the port city. Their presence is stamped in the imagination of the inhabitants. In this respect, development projects should try, as far as possible upstream, to attract the support of the inhabitants by (a) an architectural Figure 4.Road network map reutilization of symbols of the port (rails, cranes, containers, etc.) and by putting the reconverted port heritage into V. PORT AND CITY value.(b)A landscaping treatment of the port area and the creation of urban park along this frontier to increase In future making effective city-port linking space are frequentation of the site right from the start of the project and essential for the socio economic development of the coastal to give back a positive image of these spaces that may have region.to enhance the condition we need more integration of been wastelands for a long period of time [5]. spaces , societies , functions etc. 3. Several practices could contribute to this :( a) The Kollam port is a multi-purpose port which has cargo use of events and the regular organization of one-off events terminal as well as a passenger terminal. In future (music, cinema, sports, sailing, "Port Days", etc.) on the city development the priority should be given to that providing port interface areas. For these events, a site should be chosen the best accesses to the city center: distance, safe pedestrian where port activities are still maintained and/or which routes, landscaped layouts, etc. The quality of the provide a direct view of the active port, in order to have a connections between the passenger terminal and the city is larger impact.(b)A regular implication of the port authority in essential for tourist attractiveness and the creation of added the cultural activities of the city (exhibitions, sponsorships, value. etc.).(c) The organization of guided tours by boat to provide There should be regulations or development control over another access and vision, closer to the vessels and the the height, the size, and the orientation of buildings, urban installations, and/or by coach privileging the departure point parks and open public spaces in the port – city interface to of visit tours as close as possible to the other tourist sites of provide a quality in urban fabric. The optimum solution the city. (d)The creation of bus, pedestrian or bicycle should combine the reduction of potential nuisances promenade circuits with accesses to natural or artificial connected with port activities to the re-utilized port heritage, observation points: construction of belvederes, access to roof but also to the activities of the port. As a complement to the terraces of certain warehouses, etc. [5] port function of receiving passengers, the development of a passenger terminal can provide the opportunity for the port VI. LITERATURE STUDIES city to develop complementary functions of a more urban type such as restaurants, motels, hotels and entertainment Literature case studies were done to understand how establishments etc. different coastal regions developed with appropriate We can demark the city-port interface into different zones. interactions with the urban form and how the local area In an urban dominant zone provide developments development affected. compatible with port activities: offices, small businesses, A. Case study on Colombo port city development project cultural installations. In port dominant zone provide The Port of Colombo (known as Port of Kolomtota during installations with a lesser impact: small logistics, waterway the early 14th Century Kotte Kingdom) is the largest and traffics connected with the urban economy, a base for ship busiest port in Sri Lanka. Located in Colombo, on the servicing activities etc. A green zone provides parks, southwestern shores on the Kelani River, it serves as an walkways and urban forests etc. important terminal in Asia due to its strategic location in the Indian Ocean. the Colombo Harbor is one of the busiest ports

International Journal of Science, Engineering and Management (IJSEM) Vol 5, Issue 4, April 2020 in the world, and ranks among the top 25 ports. The port is All fisheries conducted in the area are small‐scale. Different also the naval base for Sri Lanka Navy Western Fleet [6]. technologies used by the fishermen exhibit different labour demand, capital investment and fuel usage and also their dynamic nature. 2. There is no fishing activity in the reclamation area covering the sea area of 2km distance. Thus, development activities of CPC will not have any negative impact on fishing communities. 3. The proposed sand dredging may exert an impact on fishing grounds, leading to loss of income to fishers and in turn to a reduction in their livelihood status. The potential Figure 5.master plan illustration (water reclaimed decrease in fish catch and landings could result in negative area) impact on local market and allied fisheries industry [6]. Strategic Objectives: Achievements; 1. To foster integrated oceanfront living within the 1. Creation of higher paying service sector jobs CBD to provide high quality of life through world‐class through new investments in buildings and infrastructure at office, residential and recreational spaces that will attract Port City and the attraction of new businesses. tourists, professionals, entrepreneurs, managers and retirees. 2. Establishing Colombo as a business, financial and 2. Position Colombo as the most liveable city in South tourism hub of South Asia Asia. 3. Creation of public amenities such as parks, theme 3. To create a regional business hub, a city with a parks and other recreational facilities within Colombo’s CBD distinct brand with high quality public spaces and for all strata of society to enjoy [6]. infrastructure facilities, attractive to local and international developers and investors. B.AIVP agenda 2030 4. To create a tourism hub with a unique character that AIVP is an international organization that brings together reflects the distinctive local culture and the existing urban for 30 years all public and private stakeholders in the fabric. development of port cities. The members of the AIVP 5. To design and build a sustainable urban city space network adopted “Agenda 2030” at the World Conference of that adapts to local climate, creates a comfortable Cities and Ports of Quebec [Canada], in June 2018. The micro‐climate and makes efficient use of energy resources. Agenda lists a series of 10 commitments to be made by 2030. Developments within the city; It will be deposited at the UN during 2019 as a contribution 1. 1.To foster integrated oceanfront living within the of the port cities to the 17 sustainable development objectives CBD to provide high quality of life through world‐class [7]. office, residential and recreational spaces that will attract Goals: tourists, professionals, entrepreneurs, managers and retirees 1. Climate change adaptation; anticipating the 2. Position Colombo as the most livable city in South consequences of climate change for river or maritime city Asia. ports. 3. To create a regional business hub, a city with a 2. Energy transition and circular economy; making our distinct brand with high quality public spaces and city port territories central to the energy transition and infrastructure facilities, attractive to local and international circular economy, in real symbiosis with the different local developers and investors. stakeholders. 4. To create a tourism hub with a unique character that 3. Sustainable mobility; improving mobility in the city reflects the distinctive local culture and the existing urban port and combating urban congestion fabric. 4. Renewed governance; promoting city port dialogue 5. To design and build a sustainable urban city space through a renewed governance approach aimed at reconciling that adapts to local climate, creates a comfortable the quest for economic and environmental performance with micro‐climate and makes efficient use of energy resources the well-being and aspiration of the population [6]. 5. Investing in human capital; investing in human Impact on fisheries and aquaculture; capital and developing port cities in a way that provides 1. Fisheries and fishing communities in the study area Residents, young talents, professionals and entrepreneurs (for sand dredging) are supported by the adjacent coastal sea. with the jobs needed for their own personal development and

International Journal of Science, Engineering and Management (IJSEM) Vol 5, Issue 4, April 2020 for the competitiveness of the port community. 2. Port of San Diego [USA] 6. Port culture and identity; promoting and capitalizing The Port of San Diego published in 2019 the Sea Level on the specific culture and identity of port cities and allowing Rise Vulnerability Assessment and Coastal Resiliency residents to develop a sense of pride and flourish as part of a Report. Besides assessing the impact of sea level rise on the city port community of interest. coastal region, it also presents the adaptation planning and 7. Quality food for all; making port cities key players strategy implementation. Among the different measures, the in the search for sufficient, quality food for all. port of San Diego decided to install 72 Econcrete tide pools 8. Port city interface; providing residents living in to provide ecological protection and stabilize the shoreline, proximity to port activities with housing, recreational and while contributing to the regeneration of the local ecosystem. cultural amenities in city port interface zones. The innovative material is made with a low carbon concrete 9. Health and life quality; improving living conditions mixture, combined with bio-enhancing additives, for residents of port cities and protecting their health. contributing to reduce the ecological footprint of the port, 10. Protecting bio diversity; restoring and protecting while granting the protection of the shoreline against extreme biodiversity on land and at sea in port regions and cities [7]. weather. At the same time, these pools would be visible for Examples; visitors who will be able to check the sea life that will inhabit 1. Boston [USA] the new structure. The project is a three-year pilot and is the The Climate Ready Boston report, carried out in 2016, eight initiative of the port’s Blue Economy Incubator, predicted that sea levels could rise by 9 inches (22.86 cm) by supporting innovative business that benefit the whole port 2030 as compared with their 2000 levels, by 21 inches (53.34 city community [8]. cm) in 2050 and by 36 inches (91.44 cm) in 2070. In October 2017, the City unveiled an action plan to tackle the problem VII. LESSONS and provide short and long term protection for the waterfront areas most at risk. From the literature studies, it can be seen that for a coastal Proposed solutions include the creation of public spaces to development we must adopt new era planning tools such as increase the amount of permeable land area, or raising the urban renewal, transit-orient development, new urbanism level of roads, parks, squares and promenades. The measures which promotes sustainable development etc. would also help mitigate other effects of climate change, Other findings are: such as heavy rain or extreme heat [7]. 1. Any development should be economically and climatically bearable. 2. Preserve the regions natural characters such as heritage, culture and events. 3. Develop more recreational space for cultural activities for better city-port relationship. 4. The port and surrounding coastal region has high tourism potential. 5. A mixed use development or an activity hub give more flexibility in development of present aswell as future Figure 6.Conceptual design needs. 6. Use of latest technologies in development will reduce carbon emission 7. Adoption of circular economy is very essential in new developments. 8. Adequate land management policies will enhance the developments. 9. Promote better architectural styles in the coastal region for an unique character. 10. It will help to take pollution preventive measures at

Figure 7.East Boston’s long-term climate resilient the beginning of development to control the pollution below waterfront the desirable level.

International Journal of Science, Engineering and Management (IJSEM) Vol 5, Issue 4, April 2020

VIII. STRATEGIES advancements in marine fisheries sector from traditional methods. Though there is much conflict region near the Kollam port C. Environment such as the fishermen settlement, heritage content, Protection of environment is the key to sustain a transportation issues; an appropriate urban renewal program comfortable living condition. For that the coastal region with people participation is more suitable. need; To achieve a desirable output there is a need of an area 1. Development control plan to preserve the bio specific development plan which delineates the port area and diversity. its surrounding urban influential area. 2. Regulations policies to control pollution. 3. Preventive methods to reduce sea erosion. 4. Regulatory measures to control land utilization. D. Other sectors Strategies formulated for other sectors like tourism, transportation etc. 1. Preparing new tourism policy. 2. Preparing new economic policy 3. Methods to improve happiness index 4. Plans to improve public utility spaces. 5. Preparation of new heritage conservation policy 6. Preparing and allocating zones for transit orient development

CONCLUSION

Figure 8.Delineated areas for developments The study attempted to formulate planning strategies for We can detail the strategies based on the assets land, the coastal region near Kollam port. The strategies community and environment. formulated were adopted from the literature studies in A. Land different urban fabric. The concept of green port can apply in Land has major role in development. Near to the port there the region with appropriate planning. This study recommend are many open spaces including beach, park, play grounds for an area specific development plan for the coastal region etc. For the future development there is a need of near the port which is showing a growth curve. 1. Preparing new land use policy 2. Identification of conflict regions REFERENCES B. Community [1] Kollam - Delhi Tourism". Retrieved 28 December Community plays a vital role in port-city relationship. The 2015.. development directly affects the livelihood of community [2] Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu India Pvt. Ltd, October with in the development region. There will be rehabilitation 2010, Detailed Project Report for the Development of programmes, inclusive development, people participatory Thankassery (Kollam) Port. plans. For all changes there need an ideal and productive [3] Directorate Of Fisheries, Kollam state of community involvement. There need; [4] The Kerala state cashew development corporation 1. Awareness programmes to the community ltd. 2. Plans for decentralized solid/water waste [5] Plan the City with the Port Synthesis of the work: management recommendations and good practices by AIVP, May 2007. 3. Job assurance schemes for the community within the [6] Proposed Colombo port city development project, development area Colombo, Sri Lanka, December 2015. 4. Improve the accessibility [7] AIVP agenda 2030, 2019 5. Make the region a safe entity by 24x7 [8] Sea Level Rise Vulnerability Assessment & Coastal 6. Improvement of infrastructure Resiliency Report, Port of San Diego, June 2019 7. Development of smart systems to monitor resources, crime reduction etc. 8. Transition plans to Acquiring technological