Punchathodu canal a nightmare for Residents

KOCHI: The stinking drains around the ‘Punchathodu’ canal have been a nightmare for the residents of the area. The canal is clogged by plastic bottles and other waste materials.  Moreover, the Kerala State Electricity Board and various other telephone companies have drawn cable lines through this canal, thus, slowing the flow of water. This also results in water logging in Chakkaraparambu, Thammanam Labour Colony, Kuthappadi, Aysha Road and Ponnurunni Road.Allegedly, the cables have been drawn violating the existing norms. Kerala Environment Preservation Forum president T N Paratapan said, “The authorities have violated the norms by drawing the cable line. It is just above the tunnel through which the canal passes. Waste from slaughterhouses are also being dumped into the canal. Along with this septic waste also flows into the canal.”T K Sasindran (Retd Magistrate), whose house is in close proximity to the canal, said, “ This canal used to be wide and navigable. Now it passes through a small tunnel under the bypass." The authorities said they are aware of the situation and will take action soon. Mayor Tony Chammany said, “The Kochi Corporation will soon look into the matter.”