Centuries old Canal gets rebuilt in Thripunithura

 MLA gives 15 lakhs and brings in the Minor Irrigation Department for the canal's restoration

 

Centuries-old canal in Konathupuzha, Thripunithura is getting rebuilt after the residents' constant complaints and protests. The MLA, Mr. Anoop Jacob has offered 15 lakhs for the renovation and cleaning of the canal. This money was used for a temporary consolation. Furthermore, the government has forwarded the contract to the minor irrigation department, who will be funding the development with 5 crores. This canal was in a pathetic state as nobody was appointed to look after it. Filled with waste and long grass, the canal posed a serious threat to the nearby residents during the time of the annual floods.

K. R. Sukumaran, the ward councilor said, "After roads came into being, there wasn't a single soul to look after the canal. Known as the 'Andhakaara thodu' this canal has been around since the time of kings. Although it functioned earlier as a way of transporting food and goods, the canal slowly got destroyed due to landslides, dumping of wastes, and negligence." 

The canal stretches for 3-4km and is 25m wide. It covers around 6 panchayats and drains into the Vembanatu canal. When roads came into being, the canal became a liability. People started ignoring it and its surroundings. Grass started growing in the canal, and eventually, its state was so dire that people could walk through the canal which once had water flowing in it. Residents started protesting for the canal to be rebuilt when they realized the issues that can occur when the annual flood comes. As the canal had no place for the water to flow, it would overflow and reach the homes of the residents.

The MLA had initially given 15 lakhs from the sarkar project for the restoration of such canals and roads. The money was a timely intervention. This helped in weeding out the grass that grew in the canal. The restoration has been taken up by the Department of Minor Irrigation. They are planning to widen the canal, connect small canals to it for easy flow of water, and clean it. The estimate of 5 crores has been put for the renovation, the work will only start next year.