
Desilting of TP Canal in Kochi to be completed by mid-July
Out of the total 10.2 km of the canal, which is being desilted at a cost of ₹9.87 crore, nearly 1.5 km, between Kaloor and Pulleppady, remains to be covered.
Unlike in the previous years, the desilting and deepening of major canals have been entrusted with the Irrigation department. While previously the Kochi city Corporation carried out the works directly, this time the civic body has assumed a largely supervisory role.
The desilting of the TP Canal was divided into four segments and assigned to separate contractors to ensure that the works were done simultaneously and wrapped up on time.
Taking more time
'We have desilted the stretch up to the Pulleppady bridge on one side and Kaloor on the other side. We have now commenced desilting from both sides. It is taking more time than in other stretches as the canal in this particular stretch is just 6-m wide unlike in other stretches where the width ranges between 10 m and 150 m, and also due to the presence of bridges about every 50 m or so unlike every 300 m or more elsewhere. This means that we have to deploy cranes to load and offload pontoon excavators at frequent intervals,' said Irrigation department sources.
As per the department's guidelines, a waterbody once desilted need not be desilted again for another three years. 'But unlike rivers with constant flow, the TP Canal is prone to tidal flooding and the flow of water in both directions means that it may get polluted faster than usual. Hence, the canal may have to be desilted, at least up to a depth of 10-20 cm next year as well. This time, we had to desilt as deep as 1.5 m to 2 m in many stretches like the Link Avenue Road and Nivya Road near Kaloor,' said sources.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Time of India
07-07-2025
- Time of India
Authorities design project to desilt and renovate drains along MG Road
Kochi: District administration and Kochi corporation have designed a project to desilt and renovate drains, along with other measures, under Operation Breakthrough to avoid waterlogging on MG Road. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now In the first phase, Rs 10 crore will be utilized for the project and more funds will be released by PWD at a later stage. A decision was made at a meeting convened by mayor M Anilkumar on Sunday. It was decided to begin construction works on MG Road at the earliest. Besides renovation of drains and desilting, other works to prevent waterlogging will also be implemented with an expenditure of Rs 10 crore as part of the operation. "Funds will be used for works starting from Madhava Pharmacy Junction on MG Road. It is expected that additional funds will be allocated in Phase II, depending on approval from PWD," mayor said. Reports related to replacement of broken slabs on MG Road were submitted by PWD at the meeting. Additional funds will be used for renovation of footpaths and other facilities. Instructions have been given to expedite works being carried out in four reaches of Thevara-Perandoor Canal by irrigation department. Officials informed the meeting that all pump sets of fire and rescue services are operational. Meeting noted that activities to contain waterlogging in Kammattipadam area were successfully completed. Irrigation department officials made a detailed presentation on the works on Mullassery Canal during the meeting. Corporation health standing committee chairman and officials, including health officer, were congratulated at the meeting for setting up a task force using corporation health department staff. They effectively intervened to take immediate steps to contain waterlogging in the city during heavy rains.


Hans India
06-07-2025
- Hans India
District-Level Training Held for Water Resources Census: Emphasis on Accurate, Paperless Data Collection
Gadwal: Chief Planning Officer Yoganand emphasized that precise and unbiased data collection is essential for effective government policy-making. He instructed officials to ensure that every detail is recorded comprehensively and impartially. Speaking at the district-level training program held on Saturday at the IDOC Video Conference Hall, Yoganand addressed officials as part of the 7th Minor Water Resources Census and the 2nd Water Bodies Census for the agricultural year 2023–2024. He highlighted the importance of these censuses, stating that collecting detailed information on groundwater sources, surface water bodies, ponds, tanks, check dams, dug wells, and other minor irrigation sources in villages would provide a holistic perspective on rural water security. The 2023–24 census stands out for a significant advancement—for the first time, data will be recorded through a 'Mobile App'-based, paperless system, using LGD (Local Government Directory) codes for every village. Yoganand further informed that the census of dug wells will be conducted with the assistance of the Groundwater Department, while the enumeration of medium and major irrigation sources will be carried out under the supervision of the Irrigation Department. Detailed training was provided on schedule filling procedures, technical guidelines, data accuracy, and timely reporting to ensure a smooth enumeration process. Officials from the District Irrigation Department and Groundwater Department attended the program and shared key instructions and suggestions. They emphasized that the training sessions were designed to give clear understanding and guidance to all participants involved in the census. The Chief Planning Officer and associated officials called on all staff to ensure that the data collected meets the quality and accuracy expected by the government. Participants of the training included planning and statistical officers from all mandals, sub-statistical officers, and other relevant field functionaries. This initiative is expected to play a pivotal role in understanding local water resources and contribute meaningfully to water security and sustainable irrigation planning across rural Telangana.


Hans India
06-07-2025
- Hans India
District-Level Training Begins for Water Bodies Census Using Mobile App: Emphasis on Accurate Data for Policy Planning
Gadwal: Chief Planning Officer Yoganand emphasized that precise and unbiased data is crucial for effective government policy-making. He instructed that every detail in data collection should be recorded impartially and comprehensively to support meaningful developmental initiatives. He made these remarks on Saturday during a district-level training program conducted at the IDOC Video Conference Hall. The session was held in connection with the 7th Minor Irrigation Census and the 2nd Water Bodies Census pertaining to the 2023–2024 agricultural year. Significance of the Census Explained Addressing the gathering, Yoganand elaborated on the importance of enumerating minor irrigation sources and water bodies. He noted that collecting data on underground and surface water resources in villages—including ponds, tanks, farm pits, wells, and other sources—would help develop a holistic perspective on rural water security. He highlighted a key feature of this census: for the first time, the enumeration will be conducted through a mobile app-based, paperless approach, and data will be entered based on the LGD (Local Government Directory) code for each village. Departmental Collaboration The enumeration of farm ponds (buggalu) will be carried out with the assistance of the Groundwater Department, while the medium and major irrigation sources will be covered under the supervision of the Irrigation Department. Technical Training Provided Special training was imparted during the program on: Proper completion of census schedules Technical guidelines Ensuring data accuracy Adherence to timelines District-level officers from the Irrigation Department and the Groundwater Department participated and offered key suggestions to ensure successful execution of the census. Officials expressed confidence that the training sessions would offer clarity to all participants and help in achieving the accurate, high-quality data expected by the government. Broad Participation The training session witnessed participation from: Mandal-level Planning and Statistical Officers Assistant Statistical Officers Other relevant technical staff The initiative marks a significant step towards data-driven water management policies aimed at improving rural water sustainability across the district.