Sea Receded Near Alappuzha, Kerala Exposed Sea Bed

Utkarsh Classes Last Updated 22-03-2024

Sea Receded Near Alappuzha, Kerala Exposed Sea Bed

Place in News 4 min read

In a stretch of the Alappuzha coast, an uncommon event took place where the sea withdrew from its usual shoreline, uncovering a section of the seabed.

The sea retreated about 50 meters across a half-kilometer stretch from Purakkad to Ayyankovil near Ambalappuzha.

This incident has made it difficult for the locals to go fishing as the area is now filled with sludge. According to official sources, district revenue officials visited the area and attributed this phenomenon to the "chakara," a unique marine occurrence characterized by the gathering of numerous fish and prawns during specific seasons, often coinciding with mud bank formations.

About Chakara

A fascinating marine occurrence known as a chakara brings together vast numbers of fish and prawns during a specific season in conjunction with mud bank formations.
The term's origins stem from the Dravidian phrase "chaavu+Kara," which means to die+land/shore, representing the substantial amount of caught fish that accumulates during this period.
Despite some beliefs, the word's meaning has no connection to Sanskrit roots. This remarkable phenomenon is exclusive to the coastal waters of Kerala, India, particularly around Purakkad and Kodungallur, and in South America, where it has proven to be a significant benefit for local fishermen.

About District

Alappuzha is a picturesque destination situated between the Arabian Sea and a network of rivers that flow into it. During the early 20th century, Lord Curzon, the then Viceroy of the Indian Empire, visited the region and was captivated by its natural beauty.
He exclaimed, "Here nature has spent up on the land her richest bounties," and in his excitement, famously dubbed Alappuzha as the "Venice of the East." Since then, it has become a popular tourist attraction, especially for its backwaters, drawing millions of visitors from both India and abroad.
Alappuzha is also known as the oldest planned city in the region, and its landmark lighthouse on the coast is the first of its kind along the Laccadive Sea coast.
With its port, pier, criss-crossing roads, numerous bridges, and long, unbroken coastline, it's easy to see why Lord Curzon made this comparison.