Choornikara done in by Metro drain mess

Kochi: With the monsoon season just weeks away, the residents of Choornikkara panchayat fear water-logging woes will return to haunt them.

This, after the Kochi metro authorities “failed to keep its promise” to complete drainage construction works before the start of the rainy season.

“The metro authorities had raised a portion of the Muttom site by several feet as part of the Metro village construction. This has resulted in water logging woes and it was then agreed before the district collector that the works of the drainage system would be completed immediately. However another monsoon season is at the doorstep and the works are still pending,” said K K Sivanandan, Member, Choornikkara Panchayat.

He pointed out that over 50 families residing in Kunnatheru, Ambattukavu and Thambiyaram areas would be affected once the rains start. It is only with a proper drainage system, the rain water can be drained into the Periyar.

“The worst case is the spread of infectious diseases. The old drainage in many parts are now filled up with mud. We would resort to a protest if the work is not completed on a warfooting,” he said.

When contacted, an official of the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) rejected the claims of the locals. “The work of a two-meter drainage is progressing and has reached almost the half-way stage. We are confident of completing the work before the onset of the monsoon,” he said.