Andhakaranazhy faces significant challenges due to conflicts over water flow at Pozhimugam, impacting nearby communities. Keeping Pozhimugam water flow sufficient is the primary concern because it is essential to the estuarine system. This challenge affects livelihoods, agriculture, fisheries, and inland water activities.  Numerous effects on life and activities are caused by the flow of water during the rainy season, from and to, agricultural fields and settlements, as well as by seawater entering inland and agricultural water channels. Communities that depend on agriculture and settlement are opposed to saltwater intrusion into their lands and waterways. In the meanwhile, this water flow is essential to inland fisheries. These processes provide difficulties, especially when seawater drains into nearby waterways and threatens nearby ecosystems and livelihoods.

The primary issue significantly affects livelihoods, especially in the fisheries sector, due to the seasonal water flow through shutters at Pozhimugam. These regulate water flow between inland areas and the sea, crucial for managing flooding during the rainy season. However, sedimentation at Pozhimugam requires regular removal to maintain adequate water flow. Local communities traditionally clear this sediment using boats and trolleys to protect nearby settlements, paddy fields, and buildings. Despite this, local sand removal is restricted by government limits under CRZ rules; however, in conflict-related locations like Thottapally, the government has been removing the sediment sand from the Pozhimugam on its initiative. The natural characteristics and ecosystem of Andhakaranazhy’s Pozhimugam require sediment removal to mitigate flood risks to nearby settlements. Reduced water flow and sedimentation challenge local fishermen, disrupting their traditional practices. Andhakaranazhy is currently dealing with serious problems despite being once a successful fishing harbor. The inefficient auction procedures at Pozhimugam make it difficult for fishermen to sell their catch locally, forcing them to transport their catch over 8 kilometers to places like Chellanam, Thoppumpadi, Thottapalli, and Arthunkal, which increases costs and logistical difficulties.

2nd critical issue is the flood of salt water through the pozhy’s opened shutters, which floods inland channels, crucial for shrimp and other saltwater fish habitats. Backwater and inland fishermen rely on these waters for their livelihoods, necessitating saltwater intrusion to maintain their traditional fishing practices. However, this intrusion adversely affects nearby agriculture and livelihoods. The eastern region of Andhakaranazhy, spanning from Kadakkarapalli to Aroor, is predominantly occupied by paddy fields like Thuravoor Kari, Vettiakad, Puthankad, Chembakassery, Vettakkal ABC Block, and Kotalapadam. These areas have historically been vital for agriculture, but saltwater intrusion has caused unsuitable for traditional farming. Houses along the peripheries of these fields have suffered structural damage due to salt exposure, increasing the challenges faced by residents. However, extended salt infiltration irreversibly degrades the soil, making it unsuitable for future farming. Houses adjacent to these fields in Thuravoor, Puthankad, and Chembakassery exhibit significant deterioration due to salt, resulting in extensive damage and structural decay. Saltwater aquaculture is strongly opposed by local residents, evidenced by past protests prompting governmental intervention through a High Court commission. The ‘One Paddy and One Fish’ initiative aims to balance agricultural needs with sustainable fisheries, proposing freshwater fish farming as a viable alternative to salt-dependent shrimp cultivation. Effective management of Andhakaranazhy’s 20 north and south shutters during the rainy season is critical. These shutters should prevent saltwater intrusion during high tides, but current issues with their functionality pose significant challenges. Another significant challenge arising is the prevalence of Chinese fishing nets in the Pozhichals, making it one of the highest concentrations in Cherthala taluks However, many of these nets remain unused as fish populations fall as a result of saltwater intrusion into the water channels, impacting local incomes and households.

The conflict surrounding Andhakaranazhy’s Pozhimugam presents a multifaceted challenge that impacts various sectors simultaneously. From livelihoods depending on fisheries and agriculture to environmental concerns and local activities, the management of Pozhimugam water flow is crucial. Addressing these challenges requires sustainable practices that balance the needs of agriculture, fisheries, and local communities while preserving the area’s natural resources. Effective management of water flow through strategic interventions and community involvement can mitigate the conflicts, although complete resolution remains complex.