Kannukali canal dredging in progress

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Kannukali canal, the outlet of Vellayani Lake was being dredged to prevent to flooding in the event of heavy showers. Kannukali canal is part of the seven kilometre long Pallichal canal. Pallichal canal meets the Vellayani lake mouth where water flows in and out of lake system. From here, it takes a turn and extends for 2.5km to Madhupalam pump house and this part is called Kannukali canal. From Madhupalam water is pumped out to Thiruvallam river.

However, the Kannukali canal has become clogged due to water hyacinth. With this, around 185 hectares of land was at the risk of flooding. “In the event of rain, the level at Vellayani Lake will swell bringing water on paddy fields, lake and this canal into a same level. So, the district panchayat has started to de-weed it,” said an irrigation official. This was expected to boost the natural cleansing of second largest fresh water lake of the state.

No to Shutter project 
The minor irrigation had prepared a detailed project report (DPR) in 2016 to put up shutters on the mouth of Pallichal canal. This was to keep the water levels high in lake during summers by preventing it from draining off. “A bund had been constructed on Shivodayam side to prevent overflowing of water. So we just needed to put a shutter gate. However, the higher authorities do not want anything artificial on the already existing natural drainage system,” the official added.

There are around 67 streams that feed Vellayani Lake, but fewer outlets like Kannukali canal. Meanwhile, the flow into the lake has reduced due to high pollution. The local panchayat was expected to prevent release of house hold sewage waste and construct septic tank to the needy people living on the banks of pallichal canal. However, this project was yet to take off.