Kochi's Mullasserry Canal Restoration Project Awaits Crucial Technical Approval
With the Southwest monsoon expected to arrive in just a few months, the irrigation department in Kochi is in a race against time. Authorities are currently awaiting the state government's technical approval to resume the critical restoration work on the remaining portion of the historic Mullasserry canal. This approval is the final hurdle before work can begin in earnest on this important infrastructure project.
Administrative Sanction Received, Technical Nod Pending
The department had successfully received administrative sanction from the state government approximately ten days ago, marking a significant step forward. However, the crucial technical approval is still pending. Once granted, it will allow the department to proceed with the tender process and ultimately commence the physical restoration of the canal.
An irrigation department official highlighted the urgency, stating, "We expect to complete the tender process by the end of February. Our goal is to complete the restoration of the remaining 175-meter stretch before the arrival of the monsoon season." This timeline is critical to avoid delays caused by the heavy rains.
Remaining Stretch and Innovative Construction Approach
The section requiring restoration spans approximately 175 meters, running from Chittoor Road to MG Road and continuing across MG Road itself. To tackle this challenge efficiently and with minimal public disruption, the irrigation department has decided to employ pre-cast technology for the renovation.
This innovative approach involves constructing canal segments off-site and then installing them, which significantly reduces the time needed for on-site work. The primary reason for choosing this method is to avoid long-term regulation of traffic movement in the busy city areas of Kochi, ensuring that daily life and commerce are impacted as little as possible.
Coordination Challenges and Official Optimism
The restoration work is not without its complexities. The official further explained the need for inter-departmental coordination, noting, "We must coordinate with other departments, as their pipelines are passing through the canal. We prepared an estimate for removing these pipelines before resuming work and submitted it to the district collector." This step is essential to ensure a smooth workflow once approval is secured.
Despite these challenges, officials remain optimistic. They expect to complete the entire restoration of the Mullasserry canal within this calendar year. The project is seen as vital for improving the city's irrigation and drainage infrastructure, particularly ahead of the monsoon season, which is crucial for Kerala's water management and flood prevention efforts.
