Kochi’s Minor Irrigation department is currently evaluating the use of precast concrete structures for the restoration of a critical 200-meter segment of the Mullassery Canal, located between Chittoor Road and M.G. Road. This project is a key component of ‘Operation Breakthrough,’ an initiative focused on alleviating urban flooding.
The department is keen on this approach to avoid the significant disruption that traditional excavation would cause on M.G. Road, which would typically involve closing the road for nearly a month. Instead, the plan is to transport ready-made concrete boxes to the site, install them quickly in short sections, and immediately backfill the excavated areas. This method promises a much faster construction timeline and less inconvenience for residents and commuters.
While precast concrete structures offer considerable advantages in terms of speed and efficiency, they do come with a higher price tag. This means a potential increase in project costs must be taken into account. Out of the estimated ₹12 crore total project cost, work valued at approximately ₹8 crore has already been completed. Discussions are ongoing with various stakeholders, including the Kerala Water Authority, KSEB, Kochi Metro Rail Limited, and the Kochi Corporation, to ensure the restoration can proceed without impacting existing infrastructure.
Given that traditional excavation methods requiring extended road closures are simply not feasible on M.G. Road, advanced solutions like precast technology are being seriously considered. The final decision, however, will rest with the monitoring committee led by the District Collector. Furthermore, prioritizing cross drains over side drains along this stretch is being debated, as side drains would necessitate relocating numerous utility lines, potentially leading to further delays.
The full benefits of the Mullassery Canal restoration, particularly in preventing inundation, will only be fully realized once this remaining section is completed. This segment is crucial for ensuring uninterrupted water flow through the canal. Currently, the Irrigation department reports that 625 meters of the total 829-meter canal length have been restored, leaving the Chittoor Road to M.G. Road stretch as the final, critical piece.
The Mullassery Canal restoration has unfortunately faced significant delays, prompting stern directives from the Kerala High Court on multiple occasions. In February, the High Court had mandated the completion of the restoration work within three months. Earlier in January, a meeting chaired by Mayor M. Anilkumar and attended by the then District Collector, specifically reviewed the progress of ‘Operation Breakthrough’ and issued a clear ultimatum to the Irrigation department to finalize the canal restoration efforts.