Kochi: Joint team set up to deal with waterlogging

KOCHI: Authorities have constituted a joint team of various agencies to explore ways to contain waterlogging in the city. Engineers from PWD, Kochi Corporation, KWA, KSEB, Cochin Smart Mission Limited (CMSL), and officials from fire and rescue services and police to chalk out a plan to address the issue.
Mayor M Anil Kumar will coordinate the efforts of these agencies.The mayor, along with T J Vinod MLA and district collector Renu Raj visited various waterlogged areas in the city on Tuesday. They visited High Court Junction, the areas near M G Road Metro station and Mullassery Canal. Later, a meeting was held at the mayor’s chamber to discuss effective methods to mitigate the waterlogging.
The corporation will soon allot Rs 5.30 lakh to desilt drains on various roads near the High Court and Salim Ali Road. The stormwater drain inlets, which transport the runoffs from streets to sewer systems, will be cleared. More such inlets will be constructed so as to ensure the smooth flow of storm water into the drains.
The pending works under Esteem Project initiated during 2005-10 period to contain waterlogging in the city, will be resumed. Officials with the corporation were given instructions to prepare an estimate for the work. An urgent meeting will be convened for expediting the renovation of the Mullassery Canal. A team led by deputy collector and the additional secretary of Kochi corporation will monitor the works to contain waterlogging. The team will hold regular meetings.
Waterlogging in Karikkamuri, South, MG Road, Kammattippadom and KSRTC bus station areas can be resolved once the renovation of Mullasery Canal is completed.