Thiruvananthapuram: The Railways want the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation to take responsibility for the siltation of Amayizhanchan canal and to take actions to prevent it. Only 117 metres, which is one percent of the 12 km canal under the Irrigation Department, passes through the railway land. The railways intended to clean the canal as part of social responsibility, and the work was entrusted to contractors familiar with the irrigation department, Southern Railway Divisional Manager Dr. Manish Taplyal said during a press conference.

He also added that an unexpected flow in the canal led to the disaster. Expressing grief over Joy's death, he said that the Railways will investigate the incident. He said that a decision regarding compensation to Joy’s family will be taken after considering the legal aspects.

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"The Corporation should take precautions to prevent dumping of garbage in Amayizhanchan canal. There is no obstruction to the flow in the area of the railway crossing the canal. Joy fell into the stream while evaluating the possibilities of carrying out cleanup operations. Joy's body was found along with garbage in the Thakaraparambu area, 750 metres away from the railway premises. This shows that the flow of water has not been interrupted in this area. An iron net has been erected on the side of the canal entering the railway area and a 13-metre-high iron fence is built on the open side. Therefore, garbage cannot be dumped there,” the Divisional Manager said.

He also said that railways have a system for disposing railway station waste. The railway authorities have also asked the Irrigation Department to take action to prevent the accumulation of garbage and waterlogging. ADRM MR Viji also attended the press conference.