Kozhikode city continues to reel under waterlogging during heavy rains

Kozhikode: Even now, there is not any scientific method put in place in Kozhikode to avoid immediate floodings in the city post heavy rains. It has been a repeat of the previous years, as several parts of the city were inundated after the very first rains. Waterlogging was experienced at the Stadium Junction, K P Kesava Menon Road, Valiyangadi, Kottooli, LIC Road, front side of Sports Council office and in parts of Wayanad road on wednesday night as well. The IMCH ward at Kozhikode Medical College was flooded too. 

Flooding during rains continues to be a persisting problem in the city.

A culvert was made at the Stadium Junction. But it has not proven effective in regulating the rainwater. 

Water not reaching Canoli canal has also been a problem. Levelling of swamps and rampant constructions will continue to pose a challenge. The help of institutions including NITs have been sought in fixing these issues. 

The corporation convened a meeting to mitigate floods only quite late, only on Tuesday. By then, the rains had already intensified.

The scientist of the Centre for Water Resources Development and Management (CWRDM) pointed out the unscientific constructions without taking the topography into account as being the primary reason behind waterlogging. 

A detailed master plan strengthening the drainage network in the city is the need of the hour.

Cleaning the Kallai River to ease the flow of water might help in reducing the floods in the city.  The company which has secured the tender is seeking Rs 12.97 Crores for the purpose. So far almost Rs 10 Crores has been sanctioned by the Corporation. 

Blockage of manholes and drainage led to the flooding at the IMC building in the Medical College. The gutter water had gushed into the ICU on Wednesday leaving the staff and the patients in disarray.

Kozhikode longs for a foolproof mechanism to prevent flooding in the city during the monsoon season.