Kozhikode: In the aftermath of one of the greatest calamity the state witnessed, the city corporation in association with the district administration will launch a massive cleaning project of Canoly Canal on Tuesday.
The project named Operation Canoly Canal will be carried out in support of the successful waste management group Niravu and the public.
The two finalised the project at a meeting in the presence of mayor Thottathil Raveendran and district collector U.V. Jose. The cleaning programme will start from Sarovaram adjacent to the canal. The team heading the project aims to complete the initiative in 30 days.
“Identified as the biggest source of pollution in the city, the canal will regain its lost glory. The major reason why the city submerged in flood was its overflow after years," the mayor said. “In addition to this overflow, the water also flowed to the existing drainages flooding places like Mavoor Road.”
"We have foreseen it even before, but could not implement any projects to stop it. Hence we take this opportunity to strictly implement some initiatives to save the canal from further destruction," he added
The officials are discussing a plan for widening the canal without acquiring any additional land and taking out the existing mud and dirt.
"The plan is to widen it at least for two boats to cross at a time. Before implementing, first, we need to clear out all the waste and mud from the canal, of which the work will begin on Tuesday," he said.
“Along with this, we will also trace people who had encroached the canal land and dumped waste in it.”
Strict action on 178 encroached spots
The district administration has found out 178 spots near Kallayi River to Eranhikal, used for dumping waste water, including chemical waste from factories and hospitals. The administration in its investigation has also found out 30 drainages illegally extended towards Canoly canal.
Wastes from houses, hotels and hospitals along the major areas are where waste is being flowed to the river. Officials pointed out that the pollution control board has already found out such illegal activity which will be confirmed once Niravu starts its cleaning programme at Canoly Canal, based on which action will be taken against people involved. Encroachers would be served notice soon after the cleaning process is completed. “We will book cases based on Water Prevention Control of Pollution Act 1974, Kerala Irrigation Water Conservation Act and Kerala Municipality Act, which includes a punishment of three years of imprisonment and '2 lakh penalty,” said district collector U.V. Jose.
