Home / Environment / Trichy's Rs3.1 Cr Monsoon Prep Faces Plastic Hurdle
Trichy's Rs3.1 Cr Monsoon Prep Faces Plastic Hurdle
30 Sep
Summary
- Trichy corporation allocated Rs3.1 crore for drain desilting.
- Plastic waste poses a significant challenge to the cleaning drive.
- Low-lying areas are prioritized in the monsoon preparedness efforts.
Trichy corporation is investing Rs3.1 crore to clear all drains, channels, and canals across its five zones, preparing for the northeast monsoon. The primary goal is to prevent waterlogging and associated complaints. However, the extensive network of drains, totaling 215.7km, faces a considerable obstacle: plastic waste. This waste, dumped along roads and blown by winds into drains, severely hampers the desilting operations.
Efforts are underway to address the issue through phased desilting. Excavators will tackle 78.9km of major channels, removing weeds and solid waste, while manual cleaning will cover the remaining 136.8km of narrow drains in residential areas. Flood-prone zones like Melachinthamani and KK Nagar are prioritized. Officials note that plastic bottles and containers are a persistent problem, restricting wastewater flow and requiring constant removal.
A proposed solution to partially cover major drains with removable lids faces funding challenges. While this would help deter littering and create pedestrian space, the local body's financial constraints are delaying its implementation. The increased dumping of plastic bottles, contrasted with a reduction in glass, is a growing concern amplified by wind-blown debris. Addressing this plastic menace is crucial for effective monsoon preparedness.
