₹9.5 crore dredging of Pamban canal nears finish to end ship grounding
Intensive dredging is under way in the Pamban sea canal at a cost of ₹9.5 crore to ensure the smooth movement of ships and motorboats. Officials say the work, contracted to a private firm by the Tamil Nadu Maritime Board, is expected to be completed by the end of this month.
The Pamban canal, about 2 km long, connects the Gulf of Mannar and the Palk Strait. It was naturally formed after a massive cyclone in 1480 CE. The waterway passes through the famous Pamban road and rail bridges and has a width of 125 metres, but its depth has now fallen to less than two metres due to silt accumulation.
This waterway holds historical importance. It was first dredged in 1854 during the British colonial period for a length of 4,400 feet. After the Dhanushkodi cyclone in 1964, it was dredged again to restore navigation. However, over the years, sand and silt have gradually reduced its depth, making it difficult for vessels to cross at scheduled times. Ships and motorboats frequently get stuck in the sand, leading to accidents and delays.
Local fishermen, traders, and tourism operators have long demanded that the canal be dredged to prevent such incidents and maintain safe passage. Responding to this, the Tamil Nadu Maritime Board awarded a contract to a private firm earlier this year. A dredger has been stationed in the Gulf of Mannar off Kunthukal near Pamban, and silt removal is being carried out round the clock.
The dredging process involves a pump inside the vessel that sucks up a mixture of silt and water from the canal bed. This material is then transported to the shore through iron pipelines. Officials said that of the 3,500 metres contracted for dredging, about 2,500 metres have already been cleared. The remaining work is expected to be finished within the current month.
Once completed, the canal will have a navigable depth that allows ships and motorboats to pass without risk of running aground. This is expected to improve safety, reduce delays, and support local economic activities such as fishing, passenger transport, and tourism between Rameswaram, Krusadai Island, and nearby coastal areas.
Pamban port is one of India's oldest and most historically significant maritime locations. The canal remains a vital link for small vessels, and the ongoing dredging is seen as a necessary step to preserve its usability. Officials note that regular maintenance dredging may be required in the future to keep the channel free of silt, as the area is prone to sediment accumulation due to tides and currents.
