From port to backwaters, tracing livelihoods at the water’s edge.
Research Overview
Kochi is a coastal city in central Kerala, home to both marine and inland fisherfolk. Chellanam is a settlement of marine fisherfolk who have been experiencing the impacts of sea-level rise, coastal erosion, and sea surges. Kumbalangi is an island in Vembanad Lake, the longest lake in India, where people have traditionally depended on inland fishing.
Historic port settlement balancing heritage and vulnerability
Chellanam is one of Kochi’s oldest neighbourhoods, known for its fishing communities and historic port life. Narrow lanes and coastal housing sit close to the water, where Chinese fishing nets, small boats, and fish vending continue to sustain livelihoods. Despite its global visibility, everyday residents face recurring flooding, erosion, and precarious services.
Photo Documentation
Research Documents
Maps
Expanding coastal area where fishing and farming intersect
Kumbalangi is an island of the Vembanad Lake, surrounded by backwaters. Families depend on fishing, and small-scale farming, with houses built close to the water’s edge. Poor drainage and seasonal flooding affect daily life, but the settlement remains central to the city’s cultural and economic fabric.
Photo Documentation
Research Documents
Maps
