KMRL gets a slushy job

KOCHI: The Kochi Metro Rail Limited (KMRL) has entrusted Kerala Shipping and Inland Navigation Corporation (KSINC) with carrying out the cleaning and desilting of the Thevara- Perandoor canal. The work, estimated at Rs 2.65 crore, will begin on Wednesday.According to the KMRL authorities, the work is expected to be completed in 45 days.“The KMRL has decided to take up the cleaning work of Thevara-Perandoor canal considering it as a social responsibility. We believe that cleaning the canal will make Kochi a better place to live in by preventing water logging and accumulation of waste and dirt,” KMRL managing director Tom Jose said.Meanwhile, Kochi Mayor Tony Chammany said the cleaning of Thevara-Perandoor canal was important to ensure free flow of water through the city, which will eventually help avoid water logging.“We requested the KMRL to take up the canal cleaning drive as they have completed all the work undertaken in a time-bound manner with professional perfection,” he added.The cleaning process includes plants and weeds removal, removing the waste dumped in the canal and cleaning and desilting it in one-metre depth. The KSINC will carry out the work using both mechanised and manual processes.Earlier, the Kochi Corporation had handed over the cleaning work of major canals under its limit to the Irrigation Department as per the instructions given by the Water Resources Minister.But, the plan did not materialise and the Corporation, which was reeling under financial crunch, found it difficult to arrange funds for Perandoor canal before the commencement of monsoon.The decision to hand over the canal to KMRL was taken at a meeting convened by Chief Minister Oommen Chandy in the capital last month.