THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Kochhar Canal, which had been a source of concern for the residents of the Shasthamangalam Road Residents Association is soon to be relieved of its troubles. Kerala Kaumudi reported that during rainfall, drainage waste overflows at the canal's source (waterway). The Kochhar Canal was constructed many years ago to transport water from Killiyar to the Padmatheerthakulam of the Padmanabhaswamy temple. A dam was built at the Maruthankuzhi Killiyar side to divert water to Kochhar. The canal's mouth has been permanently closed by the Irrigation Department, but some parts of the wooden shutter have deteriorated over time. This deterioration has caused water and waste from Killiyar to spill onto the road.

A visit to the site was made in the company of the health inspector from the local circle. It was decided in response to the demands of the Kochhar Road residents to install a new shutter at the canal's mouth. Initially, authorities proposed the installation of shutters that could be opened and closed as needed. However, considering the residents' request for permanent closure the work will commence after the rain has completely subsided.

The residents had requested an investigation into the origin of the sewage reaching Kochhar, which was originally designed as a freshwater channel. If any illegal drainage connections are found to be contributing to the pollution of the Kochhar canal, the municipality will impose fines. The Minor Irrigation Department has also been instructed to inspect for any drainage leaks within 400 meters of the canal's source.

Construction of the shutter will begin as soon as the rain ceases with the goal of resolving the residents' suffering as quickly as possible.

-- VK Prashant, MLA