The Kochi city corporation has initiated desilting operations in the Thevara-Perandoor canal and the removal of water hyacinth from it. This comes after the irrigation department had to halt similar work last year when the canal's retention walls collapsed during desilting activities.
Importance of Desilting
The desilting of the canal is critical for preventing waterlogging in the city. The Thevara-Perandoor canal is one of the primary arterial canals that channels stormwater runoff. Without regular maintenance, the accumulation of silt and weeds obstructs water flow, exacerbating flooding during heavy rains.
T K Asharaf, chairman of the Kochi corporation works standing committee, stated, "We are using our weed cutters and silt pushers to desilt the canal. The desilting of canals such as Chendadampokku Thodu has progressed very well." He added that the corporation aims to complete the desilting of all major canals by June 15.
Delays and Criticism
The initiative has faced criticism due to delays. The corporation authorities had originally promised to start desilting major canals on April 27, but preparatory works were only completed on May 17. By then, summer rains had begun, causing further delays. Asharaf explained, "The preparatory works for desilting were completed only on May 17. By that time, the summer rains started. This caused some delay in starting the desilting of major canals."
Corporation officials noted that desilting of smaller and medium-sized drains and canals is nearly complete, which should help reduce waterlogging in the city. However, they acknowledged that the work should have been finished much earlier.
Concerns Over Silt Disposal
An official highlighted a potential problem: if the silt removed from drains and canals is stacked on the banks and not transported to designated disposal areas, stormwater could wash the waste back into the canals. This would impede water flow during the rainy season and worsen waterlogging. Proper disposal of the excavated material is essential to ensure the effectiveness of the desilting efforts.
