The low-lying areas near the Periyar river have been affected the most by the recent heavy rains.
The low-lying areas near the Periyar river have been affected the most by the recent heavy rains.
recurring events Waterlogging in many areas after heavy rain Eloor Municipality has inspired Ernakulam District to understand the importance of cleaning the clogged drains and canals in the area.
The low-lying areas along the Periyar river have been affected the most by incessant rains in the recent past. There was a danger of water logging in the affected areas due to heavy rains within a few hours. The civic body had to face challenges in clearing the silt and garbage accumulated in some canals.
Read also: Increasing siltation affects the flow in Periyar
Flood Control and Canal Rejuvenation
“We have now cleared the silt and completed the work of cleaning 10 canals of about 13 kms at an estimated cost of 19 lakhs. The siltation which started in January this year will be extended to the remaining areas without any delay,” according to Eloor municipality chairman AD Sujil.
Some of the canals have got a new lease of life, which include Panachithodu, Valiyachal Thodu, Unthithodu, Kuzhikandam Thodu, Amanthuruthu Thodu, Kanjirakkattu Thodu, Madappadu Thodo, Edampadam thodu, Vattapuntholil thodu and Merchem thodu. Padam Thodu, Erezchal Thodu and Panchathodu were rejuvenated as part of ‘Operation Vahini’ Project by irrigation department
rain interrupted cleaning
Mr. Sujil said that there has been heavy rain recently amidst the ongoing cleaning of canals and drains. Waterlogging was experienced in areas near drains and canals in areas where work had reached midway. benefits of Government’s ‘Daliner Ozukum Puja’ initiative He said that this would also remove weeds, silt and waste present in the canals.
Officials have also started work on protecting canal banks by using coir geotextiles for slope stabilization. Under the Mahatma Gandhi Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme, the services of workers have been utilized to remove waste from the water bodies.