The Kochi Corporation has directed the Minor Irrigation department to postpone restoration work on the remaining 175-metre stretch of the Mullassery Canal until after the monsoon season. Mayor V.K. Minimol cited risks of severe civic disruptions if digging proceeds during peak rains. The ₹4.80-crore project was previously planned for completion within six to eight months using pre-cast technology.
Mayor V.K. Minimol instructed the postponement until around August. She noted that the Corporation has allocated ₹20 crore for pre-monsoon preparations, with ₹13 lakh assigned to each of 76 divisions and an additional ₹50,000 per division for urgent monsoon repairs.
The decision follows concerns over ongoing national highway works at Edappally and metro rail projects, which have already caused waterlogging and drain blockages in areas from Kunnumpuram to Palarivattom. The state government has assured restoration of blocked drains by June 1, while Kochi Metro Rail Limited was tasked with clearing slurry from affected stretches.
Opposition Left Democratic Front parliamentary party leader V.A. Sreejith criticised the Corporation for inadequate coordination with departments and incomplete cleaning of major canals. He said the initial spell of rain served as a reminder of potential monsoon challenges ahead.