Kochi Waterlogging Crisis Highlights Monsoon Preparedness Gaps
Waterlogging in multiple parts of Kochi following just one hour of intense rainfall on Monday night has sparked serious concerns about the city's readiness for the upcoming monsoon season. The incident underscores the potential for more severe flooding unless immediate preventive measures are implemented.
Severe Waterlogging Across Key Areas
Several prominent localities experienced significant flooding after heavy showers around 10 pm. Affected areas included:
- Kaloor
- MG Road
- Banerji Road
- Palarivattom
- Kadavanthra
- Panampilly Nagar
Despite the rainfall lasting less than sixty minutes, water accumulated extensively in low-lying stretches throughout these neighborhoods. V K Thankaraj, former councillor from Panampilly Nagar, highlighted the persistent nature of the problem, stating, "Even after the rain stopped, several parts of Panampilly Nagar remained waterlogged. Most drains in the city are still clogged and canal desilting has not begun."
Resident Concerns and Delayed Recovery
Local residents reported that floodwaters only receded around 6 am on Tuesday, leaving behind layers of silt and accumulated waste. Karthikeyan, a resident of Vakkad in Panampilly Nagar, expressed frustration, saying, "Waterlogging persisted till early morning. Authorities must act urgently to prevent a repeat during the monsoon."
In Kaloor, specific trouble spots included areas near Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium and Judges Avenue. M G Aristotle, councillor from Kaloor South, revealed that while inspections were conducted, a stormwater pump installed at Judges Avenue could not be operated effectively. "Corporation officials were called, and the rain had subsided by the time they arrived," he explained.
Infrastructure Failures and Administrative Delays
Aristotle further identified the clogged mouth of the Karanakodam canal, which carries stormwater from Banerji Road, as a critical bottleneck. Although the new council initiated tender procedures for desilting canals and drains, actual work has yet to commence. He warned about potential delays, noting, "With the model code of conduct for the assembly elections expected in March, any further delay could push the works beyond the monsoon."
Official Response and Planned Measures
Mayor V K Minimol acknowledged the situation, stating that the corporation had instructed officials to take immediate measures to prevent waterlogging. Describing Monday's rain as unprecedented, she confirmed that tenders for desilting drains and canals had been floated. Approval for these works will be sought at the council meeting scheduled for February 11. "Once the corporation council gives its nod, we will be able to award the works," Minimol assured.
A meeting convened by the mayor and District Collector G Priyanka reviewed progress under Operation Breakthrough, an initiative aimed at preventing waterlogging in the city. The session resulted in instructions to accelerate all related works to enhance Kochi's flood resilience before the monsoon arrives.
