Kottayam: Bishop Mar Jose Pulikkal, Chairman of the KCBC Justice, Peace, and Development Commission, has strongly called for the immediate completion of the tetrapod sea wall along the Fort Kochi–Chellanam coastal stretch. Speaking at the 44th Annual General Body Meeting of the Kerala Social Service Forum held at the Amos Center in Adiira, the bishop highlighted the repeated distress of coastal communities during every monsoon season and blamed governmental apathy for their ongoing plight.
“The suffering endured by the people of Kochi’s coast is no longer just a seasonal hardship; it is the product of long-standing negligence. A comprehensive and urgent solution must be implemented,” the bishop stated. He also emphasized that both the Church and social organizations must take active leadership in addressing the pressing issues of not only coastal dwellers but also of high-range residents and struggling farmers across the state.
The event, which gathered directors of social service departments from Catholic dioceses across Kerala, also featured a keynote address by Fr. Michael Vettikat, Managing Director of Deepika. Fr. Jacob Mavungal, Executive Director of the Kerala Social Service Forum, along with Finance Officer Vishal Joseph and Sajeevam State Coordinator Sajo Joy, addressed the gathering, reinforcing the forum’s commitment to social justice.
The meeting included expert sessions led by academicians and professionals such as Vysakh K. Mohan (Assistant Professor, Marian College Kuttikkanam), Dr. V.R. Haridas (Program Officer, Caritas India), AB George (Regional Forum Coordinator), and Jins Joseph. Discussions revolved around sustainable development, climate resilience, and strategic community outreach.
The call to action from Bishop Pulikkal adds moral weight to the ongoing demands for stronger coastal protection infrastructure, underscoring the church’s growing role in advocating for environmental and social equity in Kerala.