Residents worried over pending pre-monsoon cleaning works

Kochi: With pre-monsoon showers triggering waterlogging in several parts of the district, residents and elected representatives have called for urgent measures to expedite and complete pending drainage and canal-cleaning works before the arrival of the southwest monsoon.In Maradu, heavy rains on Saturday led to severe waterlogging in several parts of the municipality. Areas around BTC Junction and Ayini Road were among the worst affected, with rainwater inundating roads and entering several houses.Opposition councillors in Maradu alleged that inadequate pre-monsoon cleaning and drainage maintenance were the reason for the flooding. They pointed to the poor condition of the Ayini stream, which carries rainwater from divisions 5 to 15 and division 21 to the lake.“We had raised the issue in the council and sought stronger pre-monsoon preparations. Assurances were given by the municipal authorities, but the pace of the ongoing works remains slow. The leadership has failed to ensure timely action from the officials concerned,” said opposition leader A U Viju.Similar concerns have been raised in Muvattupuzha municipality, where opposition councillors alleged delays in canal-cleaning activities. According to councillor Majeed Mangatt, residents living near Kizhakkekara and Kavunkara face an increased risk of flooding.“Many families in these areas are worried about water entering their homes if heavy rain continues. The municipality must complete the pending works without further delay,” he said.In Tripunithura, residents and civic activists have also expressed concern over unfinished pre-monsoon preparations. Tripunithura Rajanagari Union of Residents Associations convener V C Jayendran said even moderate rainfall had caused waterlogging in parts of the town.“The pre-monsoon cleaning work is still incomplete. Areas such as Vadakkekotta experienced waterlogging during the recent showers. Localities including MKK Nagar remain vulnerable once the monsoon intensifies,” he said.