a day ago
Minor flooding raises concerns in Kalamassery amid delayed canal renovation project
Kochi: Incessant rains triggered minor flooding in Kalamassery on Sunday morning, with water entering at least five houses on VR Thankappan Road. Though water receded following a break in the downpour, locals remain anxious about the possibility of repeated flooding as monsoon continues.
Athulya K N, a local and schoolteacher, said they face this ordeal every year. "Due to last night's heavy rain, water entered our homes again. Though it has now receded, we are busy cleaning up. This is a recurring issue," she said. She added that during such instances, normal life comes to a standstill, often forcing families to move to relief camps or seek shelter with relatives.
Locals expressed frustration that repeated promises by authorities to address the issue have gone unfulfilled.
A Rs 14.5 crore drainage project under Rebuild Kerala Initiative was approved by state govt last year. The project includes construction of a 1.96km-long canal, Pottachal, considered vital for proper drainage in the area. Although the plan received administrative sanction, no visible progress was made.
Haritha residents' association president V P Siyad blamed the inaction on political differences between Congress-led municipality and LDF-led state govt. "The project is stuck in limbo due to political conflicts. Meanwhile, ordinary people continue to suffer," he said, urging authorities to act without further delay.
