Operation Anantha second phase to ease traffic

Thiruvananthapuram: The second phase of operation Ananatha will not be limited to flood mitigation work alone, it also improve city’s traffic system. During this phase, Amayizhnjan canal will be renovated with concrete box culverts covered with concrete slabs known as RCC box conduit. These are suitable for even handling heavy vehicular traffic movement. Officials say once the project materialises, the roads bordering canal will get widened and there will be enough space for footpath. 

“We have discussed the works proposed and they have been approved by district administration. Now it is before the government’s High Power Committee for further approval,” said collector S Venkatesapathy. According to officials, the second phase will help in easing traffic congestion in Thakaraparambu-East Fort stretch which is also one of the busiest shopping areas. The cluster of shops which were built on the narrow road bordering Amayizhanjan canal to rehabilitate the traders, would be demolished.

These shops are located in such a position that there is no space left for pedestrian path. Hundreds of people who commute by trains daily use this stretch to approach the railway station from East Fort side. The canal stretch from Bakery Jn. to KSRTC central bus station would also be covered with concrete slabs and made usable for vehicles. Residents will get a new road and a stink free atmosphere. A similar proposal is being planned for the canal stretch from Thakaraparambu Junction to Sree Chithra Poor Home.

“Projects worth '27 crore have been proposed for second phase of operation Ananatha. We are planning to use box culvert as the fencing and CCTV surveillance had failed to check the dumping of waste into the canal. Once the box culvert is placed, we will be able to keep the vulnerable stretches of canal free of waste dumps,” said an official.