As Kochi grapples with recurring flooding issues during even moderate rainfall, residents have embarked on a proactive approach to mitigate the impact by investing in dewatering motor pump sets to drain water from their house and establishment compounds. This grassroots response underscores the growing frustration with authorities’ perceived inefficiency in preventing flooding in the city and its outskirts.
Despite concerns raised by experts regarding the efficacy of draining water from uncleared stormwater channels, residents are increasingly turning to self-help measures to address immediate flooding challenges. Traders in key areas such as Ernakulam and Tripunithura have reported a surge in the sale of submersible dewatering pump sets, reflecting a growing trend among residents to take matters into their own hands.
According to shop owners, the uptick in demand for dewatering pumps has been particularly noticeable since the devastating floods of 2018, with recent heavy rainfall in late May further intensifying the need for such equipment. Residents, both in independent houses and apartment complexes, are investing in 1HP pump sets to combat waterlogging, a perennial issue in many areas.
While the demand for dewatering pumps has been significant, especially during the onset of the monsoon season, traders caution that these measures may prove ineffective during flood-like situations. In instances such as the recent cloudburst in Edapally, where the area was entirely surrounded by stormwater, the limitations of individual dewatering efforts become apparent.
Experts advocate for a more comprehensive approach to flood management, emphasizing the importance of strategic placement of heavy-dewatering pumps at the mouths of major canals to facilitate rapid water drainage. Dr. C P Priju, a senior scientist specializing in hydrology and climatology, highlights the necessity for authorities to address systemic issues by deploying effective drainage infrastructure, particularly in areas susceptible to saline water intrusion due to rising sea levels.
As residents in Kochi navigate the challenges posed by recurrent flooding, their adoption of dewatering pumps underscores the need for a multi-faceted approach to flood management, combining individual initiatives with systematic measures to enhance the city’s resilience against future inundation events.