The Perumpallam Odai in the city for a 5-km stretch from the Anicut to Karaivaickal, referred to as Erode’s Cooum, is poised to witness flow of clean water, thanks to the combined effort of welfare organisations in the city.
Six organisations: UNWO - Masjid Sevai Kuzhu, Erode Spice Round Table - 211, Olirum Erodu Foundation, CSI Youth Christian Commitment, Erode Siragugal and Selva Charitable Trust, have resolved to spend Rs. 40 lakh for cleaning up the canal.
As the garbage stagnating on the sides of the canal have been the breeding ground for mosquitoes, the organisations with able support from the medical fraternity have decided to carry out the cleaning task by themselves.
The initiative was an example worthy of emulation, Mayor Malliga Paramasivam said, initiating the works in the presence of Deputy Mayor P.C. Palanichamy, Corporation Commissioner R. Mohan, and other senior officials.
There was no doubt that the initiative will prompt other organisations to clean up other canals including Pitchakaranpallam and Sunnambu Odai, the Deputy Mayor observed.
“We have initiated the project out of impulse with unflinching hope that there will be constant support,” Managing Director of Sudha Institute of Medical Sciences Sudhakar said.
There is going to be a change in the method of cleaning. The usual practice has been dredging the centre and pushing the garbage to the sides. But, then the garbage enters the canal again when it rains.
Hence, this time around, the garbage pushed to the sides will be allowed to dry for a few days and subsequently shifted to the Corporation’s dump yard, Dr. Sudhakar said.
