Kochi corporation to begin desilting of major canals today

Kochi: In an effort to complete flood-mitigation measures before the onset of monsoon, Kochi corporation will start desilting of major canals on Monday. According to local body authorities, 82% desilting of small and medium drains and canals has been completed.Corporation authorities said that strict instructions have been given to officials and contractors to complete desilting works well before the beginning of rainy season. "We conduct periodical review meetings to evaluate the progress of desilting works. We have awarded desilting of major canals and all preliminary works have been completed," mayor V K Minimol said.Major canals in the city like Thevara-Perandoor Canal, Karanakodam Canal and Chilavannoor canal are filled with water hyacinths. Plan is to complete desilting works by mid-May. But chances are high for the works to prolong as large stretches of canals are to be desilted.If desilting is not completed before monsoon onset, it will worsen waterlogging in the city. Silt removed from drains and canals is being stacked on shores for a few days for drying up. If the silt is not dried up properly, waste will spill all over the roads when it is being transported. If silt stacked on the shores of canals is not removed before summer starts, it will get washed back into the same canals when it rains.Meanwhile, corporation authorities said they will hold talks with road-owning agencies to ensure smooth coordination for desilting drains. While some roads are owned by PWD, some are owned by Greater Cochin Development Authority.