Kochi's MG Road Faces Repeated Waterlogging as Drainage System Fails
In Kochi, the persistent issue of waterlogging on MG Road has escalated, with authorities conducting a critical joint inspection on Wednesday. This action follows yet another severe flooding incident triggered by heavy rainfall on Tuesday night, highlighting the ongoing failure of flood mitigation measures in the area.
Immediate Aftermath of Heavy Rainfall
The recent downpour led to significant waterlogging, with storm water reportedly infiltrating shops near the Metro station. Despite efforts to manage the situation, including the operation of a motor pump at Madhava Pharmacy Junction to pump out water, the measures proved insufficient. Currently, contractors have been instructed to operate the pump independently whenever rain occurs, but this temporary fix underscores deeper systemic problems.
Inadequate Drainage Infrastructure Cited as Primary Cause
During the inspection, Deputy Mayor Deepak Joy pointed to severe deficiencies in the drainage system. He emphasized that the inlets designed to channel water from MG Road into drains are grossly inadequate. "There should have been inlets every 10 feet from Padma Junction to Madhava Pharmacy Junction. However, currently there are only around eight to 10 inlets, which is highly inadequate and unable to drain out a huge quantity of water to the drains," Joy stated.
He further criticized ongoing footpath-laying works by the Public Works Department (PWD), which owns the road, for proceeding without providing adequate inlets to remove sludge from drains. This oversight exacerbates the waterlogging, as blocked drains cannot effectively handle excess water during rains.
Key Findings from the Joint Inspection Meeting
The meeting held after the inspection revealed several critical issues:
- The PWD has failed to construct a cross culvert in the drain at Madhava Pharmacy Junction, despite earlier promises.
- If the PWD issues a no-objection certificate, the corporation is prepared to construct the cross culvert and additional inlets on the road to improve drainage.
- Another joint inspection is scheduled for Thursday morning at Madhava Pharmacy Junction to assess the situation further and plan immediate remedial actions.
This ongoing crisis underscores the urgent need for coordinated efforts between the corporation and PWD to address the root causes of waterlogging on MG Road, ensuring the safety and convenience of residents and businesses in Kochi.
