Latest news with #OperationVahini
Time of India
a day ago
- Climate
- Time of India
Desilting and deepening works begin at Ayani Thodu
Kochi: Irrigation department initiated steps to improve water flow and prevent waterlogging at Ayini Thodu, which runs through nine wards of Maradu municipality. Acting on the municipality's directive, the department began desilting and deepening works. The initiative is being carried out under 'Operation Vahini', aimed at strengthening local water management systems and minimising waterlogging in urban areas. Large amounts of silt and accumulated debris are being cleared to ensure smooth water flow, while the deepening work is expected to increase the carrying capacity of the canal. With the monsoon season underway, the project is expected to provide significant relief to residents. "Earlier, waterlogging was a major issue. Even light rain would inundate the area. Many residents even took steps to raise the ground floors of their homes to protect from frequent flooding," said municipality chairperson Antony Ashanparambil. Municipal officials also noted that similar desilting activities were conducted in previous years as well. "Last year, the encroachments were cleared, the canal was deepened, obstructed flow paths were realigned, and low culverts were replaced with elevated ones to facilitate smooth water flow. Regular implementation of such preventive measures helps to manage waterlogging in the municipality despite the incessant rains," said Ashanparambil. Stay updated with the latest local news from your city on Times of India (TOI). Check upcoming bank holidays , public holidays , and current gold rates and silver prices in your area.
Time of India
27-05-2025
- Time of India
Renovated boat jetties in Vypeen area to be inaugurated soon
Kochi: The three renovated boat jetties under state water transport department (SWTD) in the Vypeen region will be opened soon. Vypeen MLA K N Unnikrishnan informed that the work on the boat jetties was in the final stage and the renovated jetties would be inaugurated within weeks. He stated that the total cost of construction was Rs 1.22 crore and the new jetties would offer enhanced facilities to the passengers in the region. A large number of people in the Vypeen region still depend on SWTD jetties, even though there is bus connectivity between Goshree island region and the city. The construction of the Sissily boat jetty in Mulavukad was completed for Rs 22.9 lakh. The other boat jetties renovated were Ponjikkara North and Hospital boat jetty. The MLA said that the renovation of the boat jetties would help hundreds of passengers who regularly use the route. The MLA also informed that the dredging in backwaters and canals in the area would be completed soon as part of the pre-monsoon cleaning drive. He said all the canals in the constituency would be cleaned under Operation Vahini. The RMP canal in Elamkunnapuzha will be dredged to facilitate smooth water flow and necessary actions would be requested from the state and district administrations, he said. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 5 Books Warren Buffett Wants You to Read In 2025 Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo In Edavanakkad, Nayarambalam and Njarakkal panchayats, where sea erosion is severe during monsoon period, the govt has allocated Rs 1.8 crore for the installation of geo-bags as a protective measure and this will be implemented urgently, the MLA said.
The Hindu
12-05-2025
- Climate
- The Hindu
Desilting of Thevara-Perandoor canal assigned to separate contractors for timely completion
The Kochi Corporation is racing against time to complete the pre-monsoon works, with the monsoon predicted to arrive earlier than usual towards the end of this month. Unlike in previous years, the desilting and deepening of major canals, including the Thevara-Perandoor Canal (TP Canal), have been entrusted to the Irrigation department. While the Corporation previously carried out the works directly, this time the civic body remains largely restricted to a supervisory role The desilting and deepening of the canal worth nearly ₹10 crore have been divided into four different segments and assigned to separate contractors to ensure that the works are done simultaneously and wrapped up on time. 'Accessibility remains a major challenge when it comes to desilting the canal using hydraulic excavators. On some stretches, there are houses on both sides, necessitating going a long way downstream or upstream to launch the hydraulic excavators. Bridges, separated by short distances, and the lack of enough vertical clearance where bridges remain low further add to logistical challenges,' said Irrigation department sources. The possibility of launching hydraulic excavators using cranes is also being explored. Further, there is a chance of side embankments caving in on some stretches or fences erected by the Corporation to prevent waste dumping from getting damaged. Foreseeing this, the expenses for restoration works have also been included in the estimate. Deploying the department's silt pushers is also being planned. The department also plans to undertake the deepening of canals beyond the Corporation limits in adjoining panchayats like Vypeen, Chellanam, and Kumbalam on an emergency basis to increase their water-carrying capacity under 'Operation Vahini'. However, only limited works can be undertaken as part of the operation since only ₹2.50 crore has been allocated against the demand for around ₹15 crore. 'We will hold meetings with Irrigation department officials to review the progress of works. The Corporation has completed around 50 to 60% of the pre-monsoon works, such as cleaning smaller and larger drains, at an expense of ₹5 lakh and ₹8 lakh, respectively. However, the desilting of Changadampokku Canal has just started. Besides, some works had to be re-tendered, leading to the resultant delay. Contractors have been asked to deploy more workers to complete the works on time,' said Seena Gokul, works standing committee chairperson of the Corporation. She added that motors and 'petti and para' have been installed at places traditionally vulnerable to waterlogging during the monsoon.
