Operation Breakthrough: Review meeting held

Kochi: A review meeting held under the leadership of district collector G Priyanka and mayor V K Minimol on Wednesday assessed the progress of ‘Operation Breakthrough' project aimed at resolving waterlogging in the city ahead of monsoon. In the meeting, officials were directed to remove hurdles in Mullassery canal renovation and ensure timely completion of work.An amount of Rs 1.35 crore was sanctioned for utility shifting as part of Mullassery canal works, with departments including BSNL, Kerala Water Authority and KSEB jointly executing the project. Authorities were instructed to swiftly clear all obstructions affecting construction. As part of T P canal renovation, construction of the protection wall is progressing, with the first and fourth reaches already completed. Works including fencing are pending, and minor irrigation department was asked to expedite completion of the remaining second and third reaches. Cleaning of the canal mouth has been directed to be completed by May 15, followed by submission of a report. Administrative sanction of Rs 42 lakh was granted to address waterlogging in the High Court area, and public works department initiated tender procedures. The meeting also discussed banning the dumping of single-use plastics into canals and drains, which often obstruct water flow, and issued directions to the corporation secretary in this regard. Issues including waste accumulation near KSRTC depot, installation of floating trash booms to prevent waste inflow into canals, line drainage at Kadavanthra, and identification and removal of choke points in canals and drains were also taken up. Incidentally, a meeting was also held under the leadership of district collector to assess the preparations made by various departments in the district to face the upcoming monsoon. With the monsoon expected to arrive from May 23, district collector directed officials to strengthen preparedness measures, including identifying buildings that can function as relief camps and ensuring basic facilities. Tahsildars were asked to remove dangerous trees and unauthorised boards, while local bodies must update details of resources and relief camps by May 25. Fishers in sea surge-prone areas should receive timely warnings, and rescue boats must be kept ready. PWD was instructed to prevent waterlogging on roads and highways.