Azheekal Beach is a prominent coastal stretch situated on the Arabian Sea within the Karunagappally Taluk of the Kollam Metropolitan Area, Kerala, India. Located at the northern end of the Alappad peninsula, the beach is recognised for its picturesque scenery and serves as a hub for local fishing activities.[1] The length of Azheekal Beach is typically cited as approximately 800 meters in general descriptions,[2] although some sources specify a length of 660 meters.[1]
Beyond its natural beauty, Azheekal Beach is significant due to its unique geographical setting, its vital role in the local economy via the nearby fishing harbour, and its historical encounter with the devastating 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami.[3] The region faces ongoing environmental challenges, particularly severe coastal erosion, which has prompted community concerns and discussions about sustainable management.[4]
Geography and Location
Azheekal Beach is strategically positioned at the northern extremity of the Alappad peninsula within the Kollam district of Kerala. The Alappad peninsula is a distinctive and ecologically sensitive landform, characterized by its extreme narrowness. In some sections, this strip of land measures less than 50 meters wide, effectively sandwiched between the Arabian Sea to its west and the T.S. Canal (National Waterway No. 3) to its east.[4] This unique configuration renders the region inherently vulnerable to dynamic coastal processes, including erosion, and significantly heightens its susceptibility to the impacts of natural disasters such as tsunamis.[5]
The beach is situated within the Karunagappally Taluk, which is part of the broader Kollam Metropolitan Area. It is located approximately 12km (7.45mi) from Kayamkulam and 14km (8.69mi) from Karunagappally. Azheekal Beach is also the nearest coastal access point for residents in certain parts of the Pathanamthitta and Alappuzha districts, enhancing its regional significance.
Fishing Industry and Harbour
Azheekal Beach is located near the Azheekal Fishing Harbour, which plays a vital role in the local economy and serves as a critical link between fish production and market distribution.[6] The harbour supports a fleet of approximately 180 motorized boats, typically less than 15 HP, which utilize monofilament nylon surface and bottom-set gillnets to target various fish species.
The fisheries industry is a major economic driver for Kollam district, directly employing around 100,000 people, with an additional 50,000 in fish processing. Azheekal is one of the key areas supporting this industry.[6] However, the fishing communities in Azheekal and the broader southwest coast of India face significant challenges, including increasing vulnerability to climate change impacts, erratic weather, and rising sea temperatures. The industry also contends with a decline in fish catch quality and species loss due to overfishing, habitat destruction, and pollution.
Environmental Concerns
Azheekal Beach and the broader Alappad peninsula are grappling with severe and ongoing coastal erosion, a critical environmental concern that threatens the very existence of this narrow land strip. Historical lithographic maps from 1955 show Alappad covering an area of 89.5 square kilometers, but by 2018, this had shrunk to just 8.9 square kilometers.[7] This represents a loss of land to the sea over six decades, a phenomenon that persists despite the presence of coastal defenses such as concrete seawalls and timber groynes. Recent analysis indicates that approximately 59.24% of the area experienced erosion between 1973 and 2020.[8]
A significant point of contention and a primary alleged cause of this accelerated erosion is the long-standing practice of mineral sand mining, often referred to as "sea washing," conducted by public sector undertakings like Indian Rare Earth Limited (IREL) and Kerala Minerals and Metals Limited (KMML).[3] The region possesses vast reserves of heavy minerals, including ilmenite, rutile, zircon, and monazite, estimated at 127 million tonnes. Reports suggest that it is "unlikely that beach mining can be conducted without erosion" and that the net removal of heavy minerals contributes to land loss.[3]
The environmental degradation has profound ripple effects on the local communities. The loss of land leads to displacement, and the erosion results in the loss of traditional livelihoods for thousands of fishermen. Furthermore, mining contributes to saline water incursions into the area, making land unfit for cultivation and impacting groundwater sources.[5] Community protests, notably the "#SaveAlappad, Stop Mining" campaign, have been ongoing for decades, with residents blocking roads to demand a halt to sand removal.[3]
Impact of the 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami
Azheekal Beach and the Alappad peninsula were among the coastal regions in Kerala severely impacted by the catastrophic 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami on December 26, 2004. The Alappad village experienced a significant human toll, with official figures reporting 132 to 149 lives lost.[9] The devastation extended to infrastructure and livelihoods, with 2194 houses completely destroyed and approximately 3000 more seriously damaged in Alappad alone.[10]
The severity of the tsunami's impact on Alappad was exacerbated by the region's pre-existing geographical vulnerability as a narrow land strip, and ongoing sand mining activities may have weakened natural coastal defenses, potentially amplifying the destructive force of the waves.[3] Beyond the immediate destruction, the tsunami left profound and lasting environmental and socio-economic consequences, including saline intrusion and contamination of groundwater sources.[5] Studies also indicate significant long-term mental health problems, including anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), among tsunami victims, highlighting that the psychological effects can persist for years after the event.[11]
Tourism and Activities
Azheekal Beach is a scenic coastal destination known for its tranquil atmosphere and picturesque views of the Arabian Sea.[1] It offers a long, walkable pier that invites visitors to enjoy scenic views and engage in water-related activities. Swimming is a popular choice due to the calm waters and clean sandy bottom, and water sports such as boating, fishing, surfing, and kayaking are also available.[12]
The beach is primarily frequented by domestic tourists, suggesting a localised tourism economy. The long-term viability and economic benefits derived from tourism are linked to effective environmental management, as issues like marine debris can directly deter visitors, leading to decreased visitor days and reduced tourism spending.[13]
Current Status
Azheekal Beach remains a notable coastal feature in Kollam, Kerala. While a specific claim from September 18, 2021, states that the beach was "submerged under the sea," more recent descriptions from tourism platforms continue to portray Azheekal Beach as an active, scenic destination, implying it is currently accessible and in use.[2] The beach currently has a low hazard rating.[14]
Demographics
The communities living in Azheekal, which is part of the Alappad village, are primarily engaged in fishing. The majority of the inhabitants belong to the Hindu communities of Dhaveevara and Araya castes. The second largest community is Christian, specifically Latin Catholics, followed by the Hindu Ezhava community. Communal harmony is noted as a significant feature of the village.[15]
↑ Menon, A. S. (25 November 2018). "Coastal community life under threat". The Hindu. Retrieved 10 November 2025. The Alappad panchayat, home to traditional fishermen belonging to the Araya and Latin Catholic communities, is situated on a sliver of land...
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- 17 km
- 110 km 
