Govt to pay a huge price for mismanagement of canals in Thiruvananthapuram

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The state government might have to pay a huge price for the mismanagement of five canals in the city. As per the RITES report which was prepared after a study on the encroachments on canals and causes of waterlogging, it would require approximately Rs 40 crore to restore the canals.
The study was focused on Amayizhanchan canal, Pazhavangadi canal, Pattom canal, Ulloor canal and Thekkanamkara canal.As per the report, all the canals pass through thickly populated areas. Deterioration of canals due to dumping of waste materials has obstructed the drainage system and increased siltation subsequently decreasing the depth of the canals. Most canals have been filled with waste up to the water level and the water carrying capacity has been reduced considerably.
The study recommends short and long term measures for each canal, which include desiltation, removal of garbage and cutting of weeds. Heavy discharges occur during severe flood the capacity of canals need to be increased to discharge this water and for that bund has to be raised.
Large scale sedimentation has almost completely blocked water flow in these canals. As per the study report prepared in 2013, the total silting quantity detected at Amayizhanchan canal was 84,486 cu m. The lowest silting quantity was spotted at Thekkenekkara with 1,549 cu m, however, the report notes that most portion of the canal was covered with slab. Ulloor and Pattom canals record siltation quantities in the range between 10,000-10,697 cu m.
This report was prepared two years ago and according to officials, siltation quantity would have doubled in many canals within the time period which would necessitate more time and investment to desilting.
Even as per the estimate prepared in 2013, the total amount required for desilting five canals is Rs 11.27 crore with major sum devoted to Amayizhanchan canal at Rs 776.39 lakh.
The cost estimate for cutting of weeds is put at Rs 59.60 lakh.
The total estimate amount that would be required for improving canals with inclusion of increasing height of fencing, strengthening of bund and providing fencing is put at Rs 39.03 lakh.
Two years have lapsed since the report was prepared and officials say that the cost estimate will be much higher now. According to officials associated with Operation Anantha, the details regarding cost estimate will be analyzed by an expert panel and financial requirement will be finalized only after expert panel recommendations. The study report prepared by RITES had been ignored for two years by the departments concerned.