Kochi corporation to seek NOC from public works department to rebuild culvert to address waterlogging on MG Road

Kochi: Kochi corporation on Thursday decided to urgently rebuild the culvert at KPCC Junction and seek a no objection certificate (NOC) from public works department (PWD) to address recurring waterlogging on MG Road.The decision was taken after a team led by mayor V K Minimol, along with deputy mayor Deepak Joy and senior municipal officials, inspected multiple locations in the city where water stagnates even after light rain.
MG Road faced severe waterlogging following heavy rain on Tuesday night. Stormwater reportedly entered shops near Metro station despite a motor pump operating at Madhava Pharmacy Junction to remove excess water from the drains. Traders in the area said the flooding disrupted business and damaged goods. Speaking to reporters after the inspection, Minimol attributed persistent flooding to what she described as unscientific footpath construction by PWD. She said waterlogging is caused by the absence of adequate drainage outlets. According to her, tiles were laid on footpaths without removing accumulated sludge, blocking the natural flow of rainwater and worsening the situation. The joint assessment confirmed that insufficient drainage inlets along MG Road led to water stagnation on the carriageway and seepage into adjacent commercial establishments. Minimol said the corporation is prepared to implement corrective measures on war footing once the necessary clearance from PWD is obtained. The deputy mayor said that plans to improve drainage inlets along MG Road were to be initiated by PWD in 2022, but the work did not materialise. "People complain against the corporation whenever there is flooding on MG Road, but it is the PWD that is responsible for the road infrastructure," he said. Joy added that while the corporation is responsible for cleaning canals, desilting work is hampered because many canals are constructed in a manner that limits access for machinery. He also noted that the road lacks sufficient openings to channel water into the drainage network. The mayor also urged the district collector to intervene immediately to facilitate coordination between departments and expedite a permanent solution to the long-standing issue.