Perumpallam Canal that was once an irrigation source for 3,045 acres, and later turned as a drainage channel will soon regain its lost glory as the Erode City Municipal Corporation has proposed to develop the canal and create green space and turn it as a place for recreation and social congregation at a total cost of ₹ 183.63 crore.
Encroachment on both the sides of the canal that runs for a length of 12 km., dumping of waste and letting of effluents into the canal has turned it as a city’s major drainage channel which now wears a pathetic look now. Based on the Madras High Court’s order, over 500 unauthorised buildings were demolished in the past years. However, over 750 houses are yet to be demolished.
Under the Smart City Mission, the Corporation has proposed to carry out works to rejuvenate the canal and retrofit of adjoining areas. Development of the 12.15 km. canal includes creation of green spaces, flood management, non-motorised transport, landscaping and avenues for recreation and social congregation. Officials said that water quality in the canal would be improved by constructing retaining walls, desilting, deseeding, de-clogging channel and arresting sewage flows and restoration of the channel for effective flood management. Also, the green pathways with urban forestry, landscaping, street furniture, cycling, walking tracks and solar lighting will be provided along the stretch.
Apart from this, as part of effective flood management will be carried out through restoration of the channels or drains and inter-linkages it with the Cauvery river system. Also, natural spaces will have learning centres and viewing galleries while children sports, fountains, sound or light shows will be the recreation facilities.
Since, the 90% of the total votes by the citizens preferred rejuvenation of the canal and retrofit of adjoining areas, 2,251 acres along the canal will be taken up for Area Based Development under the smart cities mission. It covers 30,467 households and a slum population of 13,173. Officials said that slums will be cleared and they would be relocated to houses in other areas.
Corporation Commissioner R. Elangovan told The Hindu that execution of the project will enhance the urban quality of living and improve the environment. He said that creation of green space and other avenues for recreation will be much useful to the citizens.
