Efforts to enhance urban flood resilience in the city of Kochi have gained traction with the commencement of significant restoration works along the Mullassery canal.
This initiative forms a crucial part of broader urban flood mitigation strategies, aimed at improving drainage infrastructure and addressing waterlogging issues exacerbated by heavy rains. The ongoing project targets the resurfacing of approximately 400 meters of pathways along the Mullassery canal, where initial restoration phases have been completed. Specifically, segments spanning 200 meters from the KSRTC bus stand area to Karikkamuri and another 150 meters along A.K. Seshadri Road will undergo refurbishment using durable concrete paver blocks, known for their interlocking design that enhances stability and longevity.
Scheduled to kick off pending favorable weather conditions, the pathway re-surfacing aligns with directives issued during a recent review meeting chaired by District Collector N.S.K. Umesh. Immediate actions include the filling of potholes along the national highway in Edappally and expediting drainage channel casting. Additionally, urgent measures are underway to finalize the widening of the culvert near Oberon Mall and to clear blocked culverts around the South railway station through joint inspections by the Railways and Kochi Corporation.
In a bid to alleviate chronic waterlogging, administrative efforts extend to coordinating with Kochi Metro Rail Limited (KMRL) for the construction of a new culvert near Vazhakkala market area. Proposals also include raising the floor level of the KSRTC bus stand by two feet and constructing retaining walls to fortify against inundation risks. A concerted drive against encroachments along Pottachal in Kalamassery and other canal zones aims to facilitate unimpeded water flow, bolstering the efficacy of flood prevention measures.
