Parvathyputhanar, a canal of historical importance in Thiruvananathapuram, will finally be renovated in two phases.
Minister for Water Resources Mathew T Thomas told the Assembly on Monday that the renovation will be undertaken with the funding of Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board (KIIFB).
"A proposal of Rs 20 crore to renovate the canal was already submitted to KIIFB for the first phase renovation of the 16.14 kilo meter," the minister said.
The second phase of renovation of the canal will be initiated after identifying the landless people staying on both sides of the canal. Steps will be taken to rehabilitate them.”
“A special meeting will be held to plan the works. The disposing of waste into the canal has affected its flow. The canal has become a drainage with many houses on both banks of it carrying sewage and disposing waste into the canal," the minister said.
The minister's response came while replying to a motion calling attention to the matter. Congress legislator VS Sivakumar gave notice for the motion.
Sivakumar, representing Thiruvananthapuram constituency said that the flooding in the city during rains was also due to the pathetic condition of the canal. He also demanded that the lost pride of the canal should be restored by making it navigable, reports Deccan Chronicle.
In December 2016, a study revealed that the canal was encroached at several locations. The survey was conducted based on sketches taken as far back as 1930.
During the tenure of the previous United Democratic Front government, the then Chief Minister Oommen Chandy had said that Parvathyputhanar can be revived only if the weed growth is cleared.