Kochi Ayini Canal Revamp Enters Third Phase to Tackle Flash Floods
In a significant stride towards improving flood management and urban infrastructure in Kochi, the Ayini Canal renovation project has entered its third and final phase. The canal, which winds its way through seven wards of Maradu municipality, has long been a source of concern for residents during the monsoon. In years past, even a light rain would cause the canal to overflow, leading to extensive flooding in nearby areas. The result was homes with raised floors, an unfortunate but necessary response to the frequent inundation of living spaces. Now, the municipality hopes to bring a lasting solution with the completion of this project.
The ambitious project began with a concerted effort to expand the canal’s capacity and remove illegal encroachments. In the first two phases, nearly 30 buildings obstructing the water flow were demolished, and the canal’s width was significantly increased to accommodate larger volumes of water. As Antony Ashanparambil, chairperson of Maradu municipality, explains, “In these initial phases, we’ve focused on deepening and widening the canal, ensuring that it can handle heavy rainfall without overflowing.” He also highlighted the successful replacement of low culverts with higher ones, enabling smoother water flow and reducing the risk of blockages. These measures have already yielded positive results, with residents reporting fewer instances of flooding during monsoon rains.
The third phase, which was officially inaugurated by, the MLA of the area, includes further deepening of the canal and adjustments to sections that have previously caused bottlenecks. The area where the canal meets the backwaters, which falls outside Maradu municipality’s jurisdiction, has also been targeted for improvement. Thanks to collaboration with the irrigation department, this stretch has been deepened, ensuring that water flows freely into the backwaters without obstructing the overall flow of the canal. The importance of this step cannot be overstated, as it directly contributes to reducing the risk of flash floods in surrounding neighbourhoods.
While the work currently underway is critical for flood management, it also brings to light several civic issues that affect urban areas such as Kochi. Poor drainage systems and neglected waterways often exacerbate the impact of seasonal monsoons, leading to urban flooding. With the ongoing renovations, the municipality is not only addressing immediate waterlogging issues but also investing in sustainable infrastructure for long-term urban resilience. This project aligns with broader efforts to enhance the city’s drainage systems and improve overall water management, particularly in flood-prone areas. By expanding the capacity of the Ayini Canal, Kochi is taking a significant step towards mitigating the adverse effects of climate change, especially in the face of increasingly unpredictable weather patterns.
From an environmental sustainability perspective, the Ayini Canal revamp is a vital step in ensuring the long-term safety and habitability of urban spaces in Kochi. Flooding caused by inadequate drainage systems can lead to severe environmental degradation, including soil erosion and water contamination. The efforts to improve the Ayini Canal are therefore not just about flood prevention but also about protecting the city’s fragile ecosystem. With the successful completion of Phase III, Kochi can look forward to a future where urban development coexists with responsible environmental management, ensuring the city’s growth is both sustainable and resilient.