Kochi: A comprehensive survey conducted by the SCMS Water Institute has identified sewage lines, solid waste dumping, encroachments and the absence of retaining wall as the major reasons for the slow death of the 10.58 km long Thevara Perandoor Canal. The canal once used for navigation, fishing and irrigation has now become a drainage and waste water lake. During the survey it was found that as many as 632 outlet pipes from various sources and about 216 street channels open into the canal.
All these outlets carry raw sewage and waste materials from various places in the city. The leachate from garbage has led to deterioration of the water quality and the stagnant canal has turned out to be a breeding ground for mosquitoes. Utility lines which are laid across the canal at many places interrupts the water flow. The survey report, handed over to the City Corporation authorities during a function held on Tuesday, has made a series of recommendations for restoration of the canal including construction of retaining wall, proper fencing, removal of sewer lines, stringent monitoring to prevent solid waste dumping, awareness creation on the importance of conserving the canal and reconstruction of some bridges to ensure smooth waste flow.
There are 36 bridges across the canal including one railway bridge and 14 foot bridges. To facilitate smooth water flow, most of these bridges have to be redesigned and reconstructed. Also some of the foot bridges have to be demolished. The survey report identified rapid change in the land use pattern of the canal area in the last 25 years with construction of many apartment and commercial complexes along its banks. Dr. Pramod Thevannoor, vice chairman of SCMS handed over the report to Corporation secretary Amit Meena. Mayor Soumini Jain presided. Deputy Mayor T.J Vinod, standing committee chairpersons, councillors and officials were also present.
