In a significant move to address long-standing environmental concerns, the Kerala Minor Irrigation Department has greenlit an ambitious and comprehensive plan to clean and desilt the heavily polluted Thettiyar stream. This crucial waterway flows through the heart of the rapidly expanding Technopark IT corridor in Kazhakkoottam, Thiruvananthapuram.
A Stream Choked by Neglect and Pollution
For years, residents and professionals in the area have raised alarms about the deteriorating state of the Thettiyar. Once a pristine canal, it is now choked with garbage, encroachments, and sewage, transforming it into a foul-smelling, stagnant health hazard. The polluted state presents a stark contrast to the region's booming urban and commercial development.
The full-scale rejuvenation project is estimated to cost a substantial Rs 20 crore, with funding expected from the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA). However, a more immediate, initial phase of work is set to begin shortly.
Phased Approach: Initial Clean-Up Before Major Project
A senior engineer from the minor irrigation department associated with the project confirmed that the department has finalized the tender for the first phase. This initial effort will focus on a stretch between Vetturoad and Karimanal.
The initial cleaning and desilting work is budgeted at Rs 10 lakh and will be executed by dividing the stretch into five portions, each costing approximately Rs 2 lakh. According to the engineer, the physical work is scheduled to commence right after the upcoming local body elections and is anticipated to be completed within a month.
"The larger NDMA-funded engineering project for full rejuvenation is likely to start roughly two months after the funds are officially released," the engineer added.
A History of Efforts and Persistent Challenges
The 10-kilometre-long Thettiyar stream originates at Anathazhchira in Andoorkonam panchayat. It meanders through Pothencode panchayat, Vetturoad, Kulathoor, Moonnattumukku, and Madavoorpara before finally emptying into the Akkulam Lake. Historically, about 3 kilometres of its course passes directly through the Technopark campus.
Responding to earlier complaints, Technopark authorities had, in 2022, floated an e-tender to build a kilometre-long eco-friendly embankment within the campus to prevent waste dumping and monsoon overflow. Prior to that, a coordinated clean-up was also initiated inside the campus in 2018.
However, activists had warned that such isolated efforts would be "futile" unless the root cause was addressed. The major source of pollution has been the continuous discharge of sewage from nearby houses, apartments, and business establishments into the stream outside the IT park's boundaries. This rendered the larger external stretch heavily polluted despite internal measures.
The district administration had also taken note earlier, forming an expert panel in 2018 under the leadership of the then district collector to prepare a detailed project report (DPR) for the stream's revival. Officials now link the renewed and decisive action to the successful model of earlier river-cleaning missions in the city, notably the Killiyar clean-up.
For local residents, who have endured foul odours, overflowing dirty water during rains, and stagnation for years, the approved plan brings a long-awaited hope for a cleaner, healthier environment in sync with the area's modern infrastructure.
