Thiruvananthapuram: The city corporation on Saturday launched an intensified pre-monsoon cleaning drive to tackle waterlogging and reduce flood risk ahead of the southwest monsoon. Mayor V V Rajesh inaugurated the drive at 7.30am on SS Kovil Road, Thampanoor, followed by inspections at Pazhavangadi, Chalai, and East Fort, areas that routinely face severe waterlogging. Ward-level inspections will continue on Sunday, beginning at Kamaleswaram. The initiative followed a high-level review meeting chaired by the mayor, attended by councillors from vulnerable wards and representatives from multiple departments. The corporation has identified several flood-prone zones in the city core, East Fort, Thampanoor, Chalai, Kunnukuzhi, Kamaleswaram, and Kannammoola, where drainage congestion and encroachments consistently worsen monsoon impacts. Authorities have directed that cleaning of roadside drains and stormwater channels in these areas be completed on a war footing. Special attention is being given to major canals and natural drainage systems, including the Amayizhanchan Canal, Pattom Thodu, Karikkakom Thodu, Parvathy Puthanar, and the Killi River. Desilting, plastic waste removal, and clearing of feeder channels are being prioritised to improve water flow. Thiruvananthapuram regularly receives intense monsoon spells, often exceeding 300mm in short durations, which overwhelm drainage networks in low-lying and densely built-up areas. In recent years, flooding has been worsened by clogged drains, illegal waste dumping, and the reduced carrying capacity of canals.To address these issues, the corporation has directed strict action against dumping of waste into drains and water bodies. Ward councillors and health inspectors will roll out awareness campaigns urging residents and traders to cooperate in maintaining sanitation. Officials flagged that the model code of conduct, in force due to ongoing elections, has created procedural hurdles in fund allocation and execution of works. Departments have been directed to seek clearances from the election commission and the district collector to prevent delays in essential pre-monsoon activities.A special committee comprising standing committee chairpersons and departmental representatives has been formed to conduct regular field inspections across all wards. Representatives from the Kerala Road Fund Board, PWD, Smart City, railways, sewerage wing, and irrigation departments attended the review meeting to assess ongoing works and outline urgent steps before the rains intensify. Mayor Rajesh said the corporation is focused on preventive measures. “We are coordinating across departments to ensure all critical drains and canals are cleaned in a time-bound manner. Public participation is equally important,” he said. “Pre-monsoon preparedness is essential to minimise disruption, prevent disease outbreaks, and ensure public safety during the rainy season,” added a senior official.
