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Canal Death Spurs Fencing: Tree Panel Delays Project
6 Jul
Summary
- Dome fencing project delayed by pending tree felling approvals.
- Waste dumping continues into canal despite cleaning efforts.
- Project aims to prevent dumping, improve stormwater flow.
The much-anticipated dome fencing project for the Amayizhanjan canal in T'puram is experiencing significant delays. The project, crucial for preventing waste dumping, is stalled because the corporation's tree panel has not yet met to authorize the removal of trees along the canal stretch. This delay exacerbates the ongoing issue of garbage accumulation in the canal, with waste continuously being dumped into the waterway.
The irrigation department is overseeing the Rs 5.54-crore initiative, which requires clearing trees before construction can begin. Corporation officials have indicated that a tree committee meeting will be convened shortly to address the pending approvals. The dome fencing was proposed following the tragic death of sanitation worker N Joy in July 2024 during canal cleaning.
The fencing will cover over 2 km of the canal, targeting densely populated and commercial areas prone to illegal dumping. It is designed to allow maintenance access while blocking waste. This project is part of a larger strategy to improve rainwater drainage and mitigate urban flooding during monsoon seasons.
Despite ongoing cleaning efforts using earth movers and the deployment of CCTV cameras, special monitoring squads, and an AI-powered robotic system called G-Spider, officials emphasize that permanent solutions require physical barriers, strict enforcement, and public cooperation.
