Manifestos of key fronts recognise need for regeneration of canals in Kochi

The regeneration of polluted canals in Kochi has received top priority in the manifestos of key fronts in the local body polls, amid worsening water quality in waterbodies affected by the illegal discharge of domestic sewage.

The issue had come into focus and become a major talking point after recent interventions by the National Green Tribunal and the Kerala High Court, following reports of poor water quality in two major canals — the Thevara–Perandoor (TP) and Edappally canals.

Taking a cue from the push to rejuvenate major canals, the United Democratic Front (UDF), the Left Democratic Front (LDF), and the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) have all highlighted the issue in their manifestos. The UDF manifesto has promised a rejuvenation plan for major canals with support from the World Bank. “The front will carry out regular clean-up drives and undertake desilting to ensure free flow of water in the canals,” said Mohammed Shiyas, president of the District Congress Committee, Ernakulam. The depth of the Polakandam canal, Edappally canal, Rameswaram canal, and the TP canal will be increased as part of the rejuvenation plan, he said.

The LDF has promised the rejuvenation of the TP, Chilavannoor, Edappally, Konthuruthi, Thevara and Market canals. Mayor M. Anilkumar said that steps would be taken to ensure free flow in all six canals. Sewerage lines and sewage treatment plants would be set up to curb the discharge of untreated wastewater into the canals, he added. The front’s manifesto has also proposed walkways along both sides of the canals, with open spaces and seating facilities.

The NDA’s manifesto for the Kochi Corporation has proposed regular canal clean-up drives to tackle the mosquito menace, with the work to be carried out twice a month. Encroachments along the Chilavannoor, TP and the Rameswaram canals will be removed. The manifesto also said that the rejuvenation of the Mullassery canal would be completed within a year.