The Irrigation Department has moved the Kerala High Court seeking permission to remove the bund in the Vaduthala region of the Periyar.
The bund, which was formed after sediments and discards from the construction of the Vaduthala bridge got consolidated, has been causing floods in the region. Flooding experienced in areas on both flanks of the backwaters during rainy season is mainly attributed to reduced flow of water.
The removal of the bund and clearing of the bays of the bridge will ease the flood situation in the region significantly, said Baji Chandran, superintending engineer, Irrigation department.
Of the 20 bays of the bridge, only two are open. The open ones cannot carry away water from the region during rainy season, he added.
Permission of the court is required for de-silting and removal of the bund, as a litigation is pending in the court over the liability of removing the silt. The department is of the view that the silt and the bund shall be removed before the onset of the monsoon. The request for permission was moved through the Advocate General, Mr. Chandran said.
Operation Vahini
Meanwhile, cleaning of drains in the district as part of Operation Vahini was launched on Saturday. The project aims to clean at least one drain in one division as part of flood mitigation measures. The programme is being implemented with the involvement of local bodies, public, and voluntary organisations, including residents’ associations. The Irrigation department is supporting the drive by providing technical inputs and machinery for the drive, said Mr. Chandran.
On Sunday, as many as 133 canals in the district were cleaned. The silt and other debris removed from the canals will be later auctioned off after ascertaining their contents. The revenue thus generated can be utilised by the local bodies concerned. The programme, which was launched on March 2, will conclude on May 30, he informed.
