Kochi: As the monsoon intensifies in the district, concerns are mounting over the non-functional shutters of the Pathalam regulator-cum-bridge, prompting the Eloor municipality to seek urgent intervention from the district administration to avert flooding and related risks.
Municipality seeks immediate action
Eloor municipal chairperson Laiji Sajeevan wrote to district collector G Priyanka, requesting immediate repair and rectification works at the regulator bridge. In the letter submitted on Monday, the municipality pointed out that eight of the 13 shutters of the bridge are currently non-functional.
The civic body warned that the malfunctioning shutters could worsen flooding and waterlogging in low-lying areas if heavy rains continue during the monsoon season. “If monsoon intensifies, it will cause serious problems in the region, and urgent steps are needed to repair the shutters,” the letter stated.
Residents on edge
Speaking to TOI, Sajeevan said several parts of Eloor are already vulnerable to waterlogging and the damaged shutters have heightened concerns among residents. “Strong monsoon showers could put many areas of Eloor under severe threat of flooding. That is why we sought immediate action from the authorities,” she said.
Irrigation department cites procurement delays
Officials of the irrigation department attributed the delay in repairs to difficulties in procuring wire ropes during the model code of conduct period as part of the elections to the state assembly. An engineer with the department said renovation works are currently under way and ropes required for two shutters have already arrived. The remaining repair works are expected to be completed in the coming days.
