The work on third phase of Thanneermukkom Bund, which was delayed due fund shortage, has resumed. The bund, with a total span of 1,400 metres, has 31 shutters each in the western and eastern sides connected by a 470-metre-long reclaimed portion in the middle of the backwaters. The third phase of construction, which is nearing completion, will replace the earth bank in the middle by 28 steel shutters. “The work has resumed. Fourteen shutters have already been set up. Work on the rest are going on. We hope to complete the works in three months,” said an Irrigation Department official.
Meanwhile, Irrigation Department is undecided over whether to retain earth banks in Vembanad Lake even after the construction of the new regulator. Although the embankment in the middle of the backwaters will be demolished, the department is planning to keep two earth banks, one 35 metres wide and 80 metres long, and another 25 metres wide and 80 metres long, in the waters at the both ends of the new regulator.
Problems cited
Officials said the earth banks were planned to cater to different needs, including setting up of a structure for operating the regulator. However, the move has drawn flak. Last week, a group of people threatened to prevent construction of a structure. Those opposing the earth banks point out that it would impede the natural flow of water and result in further accumulation of silt. “As per the original plan, the embankment on the middle will be removed except at both ends of the new regulator. We plan to retain earth banks and strengthen it further. But there is a difference of opinion and a decision will be taken at the highest level,” the official said.
