Project to tackle Cochin International Airport flooding

Kochi: A meeting convened by the district collector Muhammed Y. Safirulla on Saturday decided to implement the first phase of the project to deal with the flooding of the Cochin international airport during rainy seasons.

The first phase will be completed in 90 days. The meeting was atteneded by Disaster Management Deputy Collector P. D. Sheeladevi.

The tributary of Chengal Canal that runs on the southern side of the airport will be revived at a cost of Rs 26.20 crore in the first phase. The tributary has a length of three-and-a-half kilometres. Construction of a bridge across Chengal Canal near AP Varkey Road is also part of the project. With the construction of the bridge, the vehicle movement through the road will become smoother. Bridges will be constructed at Chethikkodu and Puliyampilli across Chengal Canal at a total cost of Rs 16 crore.

Facilities will be arranged to avoid waterlogging on Kariyad-Mattoor Road. Culverts will be built to take this water to the river nearby.  The measures were taken after the local bodies in the area and the people submitted a memorandum to the Chief Minsiter to deal the flooding and waterlogging in the areas. Following this KITCO was entrusted with the project. Experts from the Netherlands were also invited to study and suggest solutions. These too have been incorporated by KITCO. The project will be implemented in two phases. The second phase is under preparation. The flooding became acute in August when the airport had to be closed for a week.