Kochi: Even as the monsoon is expected to set in within a week, desilting of major canals in the city is facing delays. Corporation authorities had earlier stated that the desilting would commence on April 27. Given the current pace of work, the chances of completing the task before the monsoon are slim.
Major Canals Choked with Water Hyacinths
Major canals such as the Thevara-Perandoor canal, Karanakodam canal, and Chilavanoor canal are heavily infested with water hyacinths. T K Asharaf, chairman of the works standing committee, attributed the delay to summer rains. He noted that work on desilting almost all major canals began on Tuesday.
Allegations Against Contractors
There are allegations that contractors may mix the silt with water and leave it in the canal itself. This silt would then settle at the bottom of the canal or the mouth of the backwaters. Asharaf explained that this is why the corporation decided not to start the work during the summer rains.
Progress on Smaller Drains
According to local body authorities, desilting of small and medium drains and canals has been nearly completed. The corporation has issued strict instructions to officials and contractors to finish the work well before the monsoon begins. Failure to complete desilting could worsen waterlogging in the city.
Challenges with Silt Disposal
Contractors typically stack the silt removed from canals on the shores for a few days to dry. If the silt is not properly dried, waste may spill onto roads during transportation. Additionally, if the stacked silt is not removed before the monsoon, it could be washed back into the canals when it rains.
