Experts cite lack of a proper perspective and clearances for indiscriminate construction in low-lying areas for the lack of success in various flood-mitigation programmes, including Operation Anantha.
Jacob Easow, former Additional Chief Town Planner, who was part of the team which prepared the previous Master Plan for the city, says that a strict guideline on the areas where construction activity should never take place needs to be put out.
Piecemeal approach
“What we are seeing now is a piecemeal approach, which lacks a long-term perspective. We can have engineering solutions to flooding problems, but that is not enough. Right from the first master plan of the city, it is clear that there was a hierarchy of drains, including ‘depression storages’ and ‘run-off greens.’ These ensure a gradual flow to the sea. Over the years, most of these have been cut off and just a few demolitions cannot save the situation,” says Mr. Easow.
According to P.C. Srikesh, Chief Operating Officer of the Kerala Road Fund Board, the co-ordinating agency of Operation Anantha, the reclaiming of paddy land several years ago in Putharikkandam and Thampanoor, led to the current flood situation.
“In the long term, we should look at gradually shifting out the bus stand and railway station away from these low lying areas,” he says.
“We should look at gradually shifting out the bus stand and railway station away from the low lying areas.”
