Op Anantha clears religious hurdles, 90% works to be over by Jan-end

Thiruvananthapuram: Operation Anantha, the flood mitigation drive, is likely to get its deadline extended towards the end of January. The district administration hopes to achieve 90% completion of works being undertaken by various departments by January.
Two crucial hurdles that have delayed the project for months have been cleared. The Waqf Board building which had come in the way of widening of drains from Attakkulangara till Kottakkakom for a distance of 290 metres has been partially demolished.A supporting structure will be built to buttress the remaining portion of the building and the drainage work is expected to be completed within two weeks.
The district administration, which had been dealing with stiff opposition from Hindu organizations regarding shifting of a temple constructed above the drain, has reached a consensus with the temple authorities. It has been agreed to grant government land near East Fort to shift the temple and it will be undertaken by the temple authorities. The temple was built right above the existing drain and the officials have cited that the drain cannot be widened retaining the temple.
However, the widening of drainage connecting Attakkulangara and Killippalam by PWD is being delayed due to shifting of sewer lines. Two manholes need to be constructed on either side of the culvert so that sewers can be connected to the manhole instead of connecting it with the culvert being built under Operation Anantha. Work on one manhole has been completed while the other one is likely to take another week.
PWD also has a major work to complete at Manjalikulam where a drain is being constructed at 150 metres length. District collector Biju Prabhakar said that iron gratings are used in this drain to ensure and monitor smooth flow of water during rainy season.
Kerala sustainable urban development project (KSUDP), which had a major share of work, is awaiting tender sanction for widening of drain at Thampanoor at a cost of Rs 1.2 crore. Works on Mosque Lane and near KSRTC bus terminal have been completed. At Pazhavangadi, KSUDP needs to cover 20 metres more with regard to widening of the drain for a distance of 230 metres.
The minor irrigation department, which has been undertaking widening of old drains, is encountering a legal hurdle at Karimadom. A doctor who has constructed house above the drain has filed a petition at the court which has delayed the widening of the drain. The widening of drain which begins from Thycaud hospital running through Valiyasala, Chenthitta, Gramam and Pattavarayar temple is almost completed. At present it is 1.4m wide and 65cm high. This will be increased to 2.6m width and 1.5m height.
District collector Biju Prabhakar said that if rain stays away, Operation Anantha will meet more than 90% of its objectives by January end.