Kerala: Unscientific drain work miffs locals
Area prone to flooding during rains.
KOCHI: Even as the Kochi Metro Rail Limited has begun the much delayed road widening along the Vyttila–Petta stretch to facilitate Metro Rail construction, there are widespread complaints against the “unscientific” road widening. Residents are up in arms against the construction of drains in an unscientific manner, which will result in water logging during monsoon.
“The works were started without consulting the local residents or taking note of the specific geographical features. The drains along both sides of the road were designed two metres above the level of the road. The preset concrete frames were fixed along both sides of the road without making a deep pit. The residents of the area complained when the area was hit by water logging during summer showers,” said P.S Shine, Corporation councillor.
However, after realising the situation, the work contractors removed the concrete frames and began redesigning the drains. “After the matter was taken up with higher authorities, the engineer in charge told us that drains would be built in a way to ensure maximum stormwater drainage. However, waste water from nearby households will not be discharged through it,” said A.B Sabu, Corporation welfare committee chairman who represents the area.
The low lying area was prone to flooding and if the drains were not built properly, the entire area would be flooded during the monsoon, he added. At present, the level of the drain has been fixed 15 centimeters above the road level.
The residents have also demanded construction of footpaths along the road. Though the preset concrete frames will help to reduce construction time to
a great extent, it should have load bearing capacity and durability.
“Design and height of the drains have to be finalised based on the physical features of the area, vehicle density and width of the road. Along a busy stretch like Vyttila – Petta, the height of the drain from the road level should be 15 centimeters to 20 centimeters. However, if a footpath is proposed for pedestrian movement, the height should be more,” said a Corporation contractor.