Floods persist despite costly cleanup efforts

Thiruvananthapuram: One reason for flooding in Thiruvananthapuram is the overflowing of canals clogged with waste, delta formation, and shrubs and trees. Although over Rs 4.3 crore has been spent in the past five years cleaning five waterbodies (Pazhavangadi thodu, Ulloor thodu, Thekkanakkara canal, Killi river, and Karamana river), the city continues to experience floods during rain. According to an RTI reply from the department of irrigation, the highest amount was spent on Killi river (Rs 1.84 crore) and Pazhavangadi thodu (Rs 1 crore).Following flooding in the city in 2021, irrigation department prepared an initial study report on flood mitigation. The study identified around 500 vulnerable points in the waterbodies which required immediate attention. A data bank was created on these points and is being reviewed. Additional chief secretary ( water resources) had directed that each waterbody has to be assigned an officer to identify bottleneck points.As per the report, frequent cleaning to avoid delta formation inside the waterbodies, identifying waste dumping areas for regular cleaning, steps to be taken by corporation to prevent further dumping of wastes into waterbodies, preventing growth of vegetation inside the waterbody were proposed as steps to be taken on a war footing. Installation of CCTVs and fences were also recommended.The report noted that the most severe and frequent flooding in the city occurs at Thampanoor, East Fort, Uppidamoodu and Kannammoola. The flooding in these areas occurs three to six times during monsoon. The average water depth is 0.6m to 1.2m and persists for two to 24 hours in the central part and three to four days in the southern part of the city. The drainage network of the city consists of two major rivers namely Karamana and Killi, a few canals, their feeders and lakes, the project report said.The phase 1 covering various waterbodies was expected to be completed in three months. Emergency side protection works would be undertaken in phase 2. Karamana river covers the longest distance (21km through the city). The project summary on Karamana river shows that the low bund height at various locations along the river causes flooding in nearby areas during monsoon. The damaged bunds which are about to breach may cause bund failure and damage to life and property of people and the formation of deltas due to siltation affects the smooth flow of river course, the report pointed out.

NGO requests Chennaiites to share details of floods in their areas

Arappor Iyakkam, an anti-corruption NGO, is conducting a flood audit in Chennai. The NGO has requested Chennai residents to share details about how their areas flooded during cyclone Michaung. Residents can use an online form provided by the NGO to share details and photos. The collected information will be used to prepare a report. The report will be presented at a 'Kelu Chennai Kelu 3.0' event in Chennais Valluvar Kottam on February 4.

10-yr Vaigai river rejuvenation work from tomorrow in phases

TNRM and farmers organizations, including KAFA, will clean and restore Vaigai river in 10 phases. The first phase will begin in Madurai city on Monday. The project aims to remove prosopis juliflora, water hyacinth, and alien plants, ensuring clear channelization and uninterrupted water flow. The 10-year rejuvenation plan includes capacity building, awareness programs, and a river water parliament. Currently, Rs 10 lakh has been mobilized from CSR and NGOs, with more funds expected to flow in.

Want to know causes of and solution for Chennai floods?

A free technical workshop or datajam on the causes of and solutions for the floods in Chennai will be conducted at IIT Alumni Industry Interaction Centre. The workshop is organised by OpenCity, Citizen Consumer and Civic Action Group, and Information and Resource Centre for the Deprived Urban Communities. Participants can use open data to analyse the causes of flooding, the implications in different parts of Chennai, and recommend solutions. To register for the workshop, click bit.ly/datajam-jan24.

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