Pre-cast technology being considered for restoration of remaining stretch of Mullassery canal

The possibility of using precast concrete structures is being explored for the restoration of nearly 200 metres of the remaining stretch of the Mullassery canal between Chittoor Road and M.G. Road under ‘Operation Breakthrough’.

The Minor Irrigation department is mulling over such a possibility to avoid extensive excavation of M.G. Road and leaving it open for nearly a month, which is not possible considering the all-round hardships it may cause. The idea is to bring ready-to-install concrete boxes to the site, excavate to install them on short stretches, and immediately cover the excavated area.

Since the fortified pre-cast concrete structures entail a higher cost, a possible cost escalation may have to be factored in though. Out of the total project cost of ₹12 crore, works worth around ₹8 crore have been completed so far. Talks are on with multiple agencies, including the Kerala Water Authority, KSEB, Kochi Metro Rail Limited, and the Kochi Corporation, to carry out restoration work on the remaining stretch of the canal without damaging its infrastructure, said sources in the Minor Irrigation department.

Since the usual method of excavation, which requires prolonged road closure, may not be viable on M.G. Road, more sophisticated methods such as precast technology, are being explored, though a decision will only be taken by the monitoring committee chaired by the District Collector. Cross drains may be preferred instead of side drains along the stretch as the former would necessitate shifting numerous utilities leading to further delays, the sources added.

The full impact of the Mullassery canal restoration work in resolving inundation would be felt only after completing the remaining stretch since that is critical to ensure smooth flow of water. Of the total 829-metre stretch of the canal, the Irrigation department claimed to have completed the restoration of 625 metres. The stretch between Chittoor Road and M.G. Road remains to be restored.

The restoration of the Mullassery Canal has already been inordinately delayed, drawing the Kerala High Court’s rebuke on more than one occasion. In February, the High Court had directed the authorities to complete the restoration work within three months. A meeting chaired by Mayor M. Anilkumar in January and attended by then District Collector had reviewed Operation Breakthrough — a project aimed at resolving inundation in Kochi city — and issued an ultimatum to the Irrigation department to complete the canal restoration work.