Coastal erosion exposes the Danish Fort wall in Tharangambadi.
| Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

Sea waves entering the concrete wall near the Danish fort
| Photo Credit:
Special Arrangement
The historic Danish Fort in Tharangambadi, a prominent symbol of Indo-Danish heritage, is facing an increasing threat from coastal erosion, prompting renewed calls for construction of a granite rock seawall to protect the structure.
A periodic shift in sea tides has accelerated the erosion of the fort’s protective walls, raising concerns among conservationists and local authorities. P. Rajendran, Vice-Chairman of Tharangambadi Town Panchayat and a social activist, has been advocating for a stronger black rock barrier to replace the existing concrete wall, which has failed to withstand the impact of the sea.
Speaking to The Hindu, Mr. Rajendran pointed out previous efforts to protect the fort with concrete barriers had proven ineffective over time.
“After the 2004 tsunami, the State government built a concrete seawall, but it eroded due to strong waves. Then, in 2022, the Town Panchayat constructed another concrete barrier with a depth of 10 metres at a cost of ₹85 lakh. However, this too has started weakening and showing signs of damage,” he said.
Mr. Rajendran warned that without immediate action, the foundation of the Danish Fort could be severely impacted. Several proposals had been submitted to the State government, the Tourism Department, and the District Administration, requesting funds for a more durable rock barrier.
“We have urged authorities to extend the existing granite seawall beyond the fort, similar to the one built for the Tharangambadi fishing harbour, to prevent irreversible damage,” he added.
Built in 1620, the fort served as a Danish administrative hub, facilitating international trade in rice, salt, textiles, and perfumes. The Danes, who leased Tharangambadi from Raghunatha Nayak of Thanjavur, left a lasting architectural legacy, evident in its churches, governor’s residence, and schools.
A ₹3.63-crore restoration project is under way, but conservationists stress that erosion control must be prioritised to secure the fort’s future.
Sources from the Tourism Department and the district administration have said they will look into the issue.
Published – February 02, 2025 06:35 pm IST