KOCHI (Metro Rail & Steel) : The Kochi Corporation, faced with the difficult task of dismantling tiles to clean drains, is advancing the installation of manholes on footpaths to streamline the process. This call to action comes after significant criticism was directed towards the civic body for tearing down footpaths, such as those along M.G. Road, renovated by the Kochi Metro Rail Limited (KMRL) as part of the Kochi Metro’s construction project.
Both KMRL and Cochin Smart Mission Limited (CSML) had diligently revamped drains and footpaths throughout the city, including arterial roads along the metro corridor. KMRL had defended their approach by explaining that the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC), responsible for the metro and footpath works, had affixed steel hooks atop the slabs to facilitate their removal for drain cleaning. However, Corporation officials argued that this method isn’t always practical and often required resorting to the use of iron bars or earthmovers.
The Ernakulam District Residents Association Apex Council (EDRAAC) and non-governmental organizations like Ernakulam Vikasana Samithi have consistently advocated for improved drainage maintenance and stricter action against establishments releasing untreated effluents into drains. Mayor M. Anilkumar emphasized the importance of installing manholes at regular intervals for efficient drain cleaning, using the recently introduced jetting and suction machine. This approach would eliminate the need to break tiles or remove concrete slabs to unclog drains. However, the machine’s capabilities are limited in terms of cleaning drains, necessitating the creation of an adequate number of manholes and utility ducts on footpaths to prevent road and pavement trenching.
Regarding the issue of untreated effluent disposal, the Mayor said that several hotels were previously issued closure notices following flooding in M.G. Road and its adjacent areas over a year ago. These establishments were permitted to reopen only after establishing effluent treatment facilities on their premises. Nevertheless, it has come to the Corporation’s attention that some hotels continue to release untreated waste into the drains, causing blockages. The Corporation has issued a stern warning, indicating that any further release of untreated waste would result in closure orders for these establishments.
Public Works Department (PWD) sources explained that the agency typically constructs drains on roads it owns and subsequently hands over maintenance responsibilities to the Kochi Corporation. Prompted by a High Court directive, the PWD initiated drain cleaning efforts this year, primarily along the Madhava Pharmacy Junction-KPCC Junction stretch of M.G. Road. Of particular concern was the disruption caused by the removal of tiled footpaths for drain cleaning, impacting local traders and jeopardizing pedestrian safety. Excavators were initially deployed to remove slabs every few meters along the corridor. The remaining drains are slated for cleaning with the aid of a jetting-cum-suction machine, equipped with a nozzle capable of covering a 40-meter stretch.
