Waterlogging issues at Kochi’s Infopark and its surrounding areas, District Collector N S K Umesh has mandated the reconstruction of a key culvert to improve drainage efficiency.
The Kerala Industrial Infrastructure Development Corporation (KINFRA) and Infopark authorities have been instructed to draft a proposal for this critical infrastructure upgrade. This proposal is to be submitted to the Irrigation and Public Works Departments for execution. Current drainage inadequacies have been highlighted, with the existing culvert failing to manage the high volumes of rainwater effectively, leading to prolonged water stagnation. To address this, a box culvert has been proposed to channel excess water directly into the Edachira Canal. The major irrigation executive engineer reported ongoing cleaning efforts in the canal to facilitate this new drainage system.
In parallel, the Thrikkakara municipality has initiated short-term tenders for cleaning operations, with work slated to begin shortly. A relief camp has been established to temporarily relocate 11 families from the flood-affected Keerelimala area in Thrikkakara. “To resolve waterlogging near the Edappally signal, the Kochi Metro Rail Limited authorities said they will take immediate steps to clean the canal behind the metro station once they receive the proposal from the National Highways Authority,” the collector said.
Moreover, the National Highways Authority of India has committed to completing a drainage system under the canal within the next two weeks. KINFRA has also appealed to the Public Works Department to construct additional culverts to mitigate waterlogging issues within the Electronic Manufacturing Cluster and the Export Promotion Industrial Park. In Tripunithura, severe waterlogging has been reported in wards 19 and 20, impacting ten houses. The municipal secretary of Tripunithura confirmed these developments, indicating a need for comprehensive drainage solutions across the affected regions. This strategic initiative underscores the local administration’s proactive measures to enhance infrastructure resilience against flooding, ensuring better water management and community safety.
