Severe clogging affects storm water drain project

The suspension of work during election had delayed the work, the deadline for which was May 31

Clean drive:Drainage work in progress on the Asokapuram - Sales Tax Complex stretch in Kozhikode.- Photo: S. Ramesh Kurup

The newly constructed storm water drain on Mavoor Road was expected to be a permanent solution to waterlogging near the Mofussil bus stand junction. However, it came as a rude shock for many when the junction got submerged in water in the recent heavy rain.

Though the blocking of the drain near RP Mall for linking work with the previously existing drain was perceived to be the reason for flooding during the early days of the monsoon, the recurrence of the problem even after the removal of the block is a cause for concern.

“Clogging in some older drains near the KSRTC bus station defeats the very purpose of storm water drains,” K. Mohan, Manager, Kerala Sustainable Urban Development Project (KSUDP). “Owing to the blocks caused by accumulation of garbage and silt, water flows above the road, eventually leading to flood near the Mofussil bus stand. All the nearby drains have to be cleared and properly covered to ensure the efficient functioning of the storm water drain,” he added. According to him, the gradient on the road is also a reason for waterlogging.

Drains around bus station

It was the constant waterlogging near the Mofussil bus stand that had prompted the corporation to go ahead with the project. It took the KSUDP more than two years to complete the construction of drains around the Mofussil bus stand, which includes the stretches between Kairali theatre and Focus Mall, Mofussil bus stand and Chemmanur Jewellery, and Fathima Hospital and Azhakodi temple.

Meanwhile, a part of the storm water drainage project along Sales Tax Office Road is nearing completion. The suspension of work during election had delayed the work, the deadline for which was May 31. Later, rain played spoilsport. Workers, meanwhile, had a tough time pumping out water from pits before going ahead with concreting work.

Incidentally, work is yet to begin on Chakkitta Ida Road that connects P.M. Kutty Road to the Karapparama - Eranhipalam Road, as the Road Fund Board, which maintains the Karapparamba- Eranhipalam Road, has not given its approval.