Kochi: In a passionate plea, Syro-Malabar Major Archbishop Mar Raphael Thattil has issued an urgent call for government intervention to address the protracted suffering of the people of Chellanam. His Eminence emphasized the critical need for immediate and permanent solutions for residents who have been rendered homeless and deprived of their livelihoods due to relentless sea erosion and severe weather phenomena.
The Archbishop's statement underscores the devastating impact on this coastal community, highlighting the displacement of families and the disruption of their ability to earn a living. He stressed the imperative of providing safe and sustainable accommodation for those affected, demanding that relief efforts be streamlined and made truly effective.
Archbishop Thattil lamented that despite years of implementing temporary measures, the plight of Chellanam's residents persists. He asserted that such stopgap approaches have failed to alleviate their suffering and urged the government to adopt a more visionary strategy. Crucially, he insisted that any permanent solutions must incorporate the insights and opinions of both local residents and their elected representatives, ensuring that the community's lived experiences guide policy decisions.
"The sight of people forced to take to the streets to safeguard their lives and property is truly sorrowful," the Archbishop remarked, expressing deep concern. He concluded by asserting that "a situation that pushes people to such a state of helplessness should not exist in a civilized society," thereby challenging the authorities to uphold their responsibility towards vulnerable citizens.
The Archbishop's powerful appeal serves as a significant moral voice, amplifying the desperate need for comprehensive and lasting governmental action in Chellanam.