Thoothukudi
Spadework started along the Buckle canal, which would undergo a revamp under the Smart Cities Mission, on Wednesday.
Preliminary work such as clearing weeds, levelling and filling has started on either side of the canal from July 26 onwards.
The canal that bisects the town runs for 7.28 kilometres starting near the FCI godown area and drains into the sea at Threspuram. As part of a project to revamp the canal at an outlay of ₹78.88 crore, it would get a facelift with the setting up of walkways and bicycle tracks on both sides of the canal.
Further, fencing and three wastewater treatment plants are to be set up to prevent the mixing of untreated water into the channel. Planting of saplings, setting up of LED lamps and children’s park are also part of the project. Telephone and electric lines along the canal would be sent via underground ducts.
The entire project is expected to be completed in 18 months, said Corporation officials.
Meanwhile, the floating trash barriers that were set up at various locations to prevent the trash from reaching the sea has created a new problem.
While the barrier prevents the trash from reaching the sea, it has started accumulating near the barrier creating an eyesore, especially at Threspuram
Sanitation department officials said that a tiller has been procured for the purpose and a makeshift ramp would be used for operating the machine to clear the trash.
