THIRUVANATHAPURAM: Everyone is in awe as Kerala's major IT city, Kazhakoottam Technopark, got submerged in the recent rains. Several buildings in Phase I and Phase III were underwater. The techies who were trapped in their residences were rescued after hours of rescue operations. The main reason for the inundation of the Technopark, which was a safe haven even during the Great Flood of 2018, was the overflowing of the nearby Thettiyar river. This is also the reason why the 110kV substation at Kazhakoottam went underwater.

Prominent architect G Shankar told Kerala Kaumudi that he had warned during the construction phase of the bypass that constructions obstructing the flow of the Thettiyar river would create repercussions in the future.

The Thettiyar river has been filled with water in the past too, but nothing like this has ever happened. The cause of the flood is due to recent constructions. The construction of the bypass and major constructions in the vicinity have affected the flow significantly.

Local residents say that many nearby drains are blocked. The Thettiyar river originates from Ayirooppara, Kattaikonam and Vetturoad and flows together at Kazhakoottam. Flowing through Kulathoor and Poundukadavu, Thettiyar river joins the Akkulam backwater near the Nooradi bridge. From Kazhakoottam, where the three tributaries of the river converge, there are numerous constructions on both sides. In many places, the river has turned into small tributaries and in some places it has been levelled. Interestingly, all constructions have become legal. Years ago, the Thettiyar river was diverted at two places in the Kallingal-Kusamuttam section for the Technopark phase three.

Today, Thettiyar river is also the main dumping ground of the Kazhakkoottam, Technopark and Kulathoor region. The unscientific construction of the service road in connection with the construction of bypass from Kazhakkoottam to Kulathoor Infosys has also added momentum to the waterlogging. As the garbage filled up, the flow in the river also stopped. There is no doubt that the region will witness further flash floods if constructions are not curbed and improper waste disposal is stopped.

Today almost half of the Thettiyar river has constructions around it. No one listened to the people who said years ago that this should be stopped. Restoring the flow of the Thettiyar river should not be delayed further.

-Dr G Shankar

Architect