Stagnant Conolly Canal project finally starts flowing

By Sachin Jose
KOZHIKODE: The Conolly Canal was stagnant for the last two years, so was the project to clean it, owing to lack of funds.

However, the cleaning project has finally gained momentum after Rs 2.41 crore was allotted by NABARD (National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development).

   The 165-year-old canal, built in 1848, was named after HV Conolly, Collector of erstwhile Malabar District. The canal, which is 11.4 km long, connects Kallai and Korapuzha rivers here.

  There was lack of follow-up programmes after a cleaning project conducted in this canal four years ago owing to red-tapism and dearth of funds.

   The local MLA, Pradeep Kumar, said, "Though the Revenue Department allotted Rs five crore four months ago, it was not utilized as there was delay in filing tenders."

   Meanwhile, Irrigation Department Assistant Engineer Ajayan C said, "We have begun measuring water volume at different areas of the canal. The dredging and de-silting projects will be completed by the end of March next year."

   According to a study by Centre for Water Resources Development and Management (CWRDM), the canal water stagnated because of silting at the confluence of the Conolly Canal and the Kallayi River, allowing rampant growth of weeds and water hyacinths in the canal.

   In order to contain the growth of these vegetation, there must be flow of water between the canal and the river, which can be achieved through dredging and de-silting. This makes the canal water saline, making the growth of weeds impossible.

   However, Kozhikode Mayor AK Premajam said, "The present project does not include treatment of sewage water before being released into the canal, but instead unnecessary beautification of side-projections and walkway along the canal is carried out."

   But, A Viswanathan, Secretary of Conolly Canal Development Committee said that the beautification is done to refurbish the canal premises and can be exploited to create awareness among people so that they will not litter the canal.

   Officials of Irrigation Department assure that once the canal is dredged and de-silted, it can be used for irrigation, fishing and transportation.