12-05-2025
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.
