Kochi: Andhakarathodu revival by December

Kochi: The ongoing Rs 11.5 crore project to revive Andhakaratho-du connecting  Muvattupuza river to Champakkara canal, is expected to be complete by December this year. The canal which was clogged with huge heaps of garbage including septic waste and weeds is being revived by the Irrigation Department as part of a project initiated using Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board (KIIFB) funds. Once a pristine waterway, the Andhakarathodu carries the rich and vibrant history of Tripunithura and later deteriorated to dumping yard.

“Though the restoration of the canal has been delayed due to adverse weather and other factors, the work is expected to be complete by December this year. The canal will be brought back to its original glory and the municipality will take strict measures to prevent waste dumping into it. Once the restoration works are over, the municipality is also planning to tap the tourism potential of the canal by implementing boat ride and other programmes,” said R Chandrika Devi, municipal chairperson.

The restoration project includes beautification works like construction of a 1.5 metre wide walkway, setting up street lamps and chairs along the canal banks.

Renovation project was inaugurated by the then Water Resources Minister Mathew T Thomas in Nov-ember 2018 and the works were initiated under the supervision of M. Swaraj, MLA.

“Residents of Pointhara colony used to dump garbage into the canal as there was no waste collection system in the area. Now, the municipality has taken measures for waste collection,” added the municipal chairperson.

The 15-month long project also includes fencing of the canal to ensure cleanliness, said Biji N.N. assistant engineer of Irrigation Depar-tment.