NHAI launches drainage project to tackle NH66 flooding in Ernakulam

Kochi: National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), which is expanding highways in state, has been attacked for failing to prevent waterlogging and flash floods along National Highway 66 (NH66) corridor, especially during monsoon.

It was alleged that during NH works, many of the existing drain outlets were blocked.Following several protests, NHAI has come up with an infrastructure package in collaboration with local self-govts and district administration to overhaul the region’s interconnected drainage network. To begin with, in Ernakulam, a dedicated Rs 29 crore project has been mapped, specifically targeting the 26-km stretch from Edappally to Moothakunnam (Kodungallur).As per plan, NHAI will fully fund the construction, while local bodies are tasked with constructing facilities like drainage on a war footing. Seven local bodies in Ernakulam will be actively involved, with North Paravur municipality being the worst-hit zone.The municipality submitted an estimate of Rs 9 crore to carry out the works, mainly new drainage extensions to route storm water directly to the river.“Many existing drain outlets were levelled due to NH widening and straightening.

Drain water has nowhere to flow, resulting in heavy waterlogging. We’ll construct new drainage extensions through the service roads. One hurdle is that the highway is in the east-west direction, while the river is flowing in north-south direction,” said North Paravur municipal chairman Ramesh D Kurup. He urged speedy release of funds.Meanwhile, grama panchayats too have drawn NHAI's attention to issues they face.

"We submitted an initial estimate of Rs 50 lakh while neighbouring Varapuzha grama panchayat requested a fund of Rs 1 crore. Waterlogging has severely impacted areas like Manjummel, Cheranallore and Signal junctions," said Cheranallore panchayat president Lissy Variath. The elevated road design causes flooding in low-lying private lands.

The panchayat plans to request an additional Rs 50 lakh, she added.NHAI acknowledged that the waterlogging issue was not limited just to Ernakulam.

“Ernakulam requested the highest share of funds so far. We’ve allotted funds so far to three districts, besides Ernakulam. In other districts, preparation and technical scrutiny of estimates are at various stages,” said a NHAI official.NHAI authorities said many drainage blocks originate outside highway bounds due to clogged natural drains, changes in land-use patterns and inadequate connectivity to nearby discharge channels. To resolve this, NHAI will facilitate the work required to connect highway drainage outlets to the nearest natural drains and water bodies.A high-level meeting was convened with state govt on May 13, wherein district administrations were asked to prepare location-specific estimates.