Kottayam: A survey of three canals in Kerala which would be part of the National Waterways is complete. Out of the four canals in the state recognised by the central government as suitable for National Waterways, these three pass through Kottayam district. The canals need further development before they could be granted the upgraded status, the survey revealed.
The survey was carried out on Kottayam-Vaikom, Alappuzha-Changanassery and Alappuzha-Kottayam-Athirampuzha canals by the Inland Waterways Authority of India, which is responsible for developing canals for National Waterways.
1. Kottayam-Vaikom canal
The Kottayam-Vaikom canal passing through the Vembanad Lake is 28 km long. Starting from Kodimatha in the heart of Kottayam town, it touches Kanjiram, Illikkal, Thazhathangadi, Moolakatukunnu, Thiruvaataa, Kallumada, Pulikkuttisseri, Maniyamparambu and Cheepungal to enter Vembanad Lake. It reaches the final destination in Vaikom after crossing the Thannirmukkam Bund.
As a primary step to develop national waterways, bridges were built in 2006 at Thiruvatta, Kanjiram, Kaithappadam and Maniyamparambu to ensure easy movement of boats. The project with a World Bank fund of Rs 63 crore however was not completed. Bridges have to be completed at Illikkal, Kallumada and Cheepunkal. Some streches of the canal have to be deepened by removing sand and mud. The canal has also been encroached in some areas. The new project will require more depth and width for canals. Once complete, freight shipment will be easier between Kottayam and Kochi.
2. Alappuzha-Kottayam-Athirampuzha canal
The canal route consists of Kodimatha, Kanjiram, Illikkal, Thiruvaataa, Kallumada, Pulikkuttisseri, Pennarthodu, Mannanam and Athirampuzha Chavara Pilgrim Centre. It connects Mannanam and Kainikkara, the birth place of St Kuriakose Elias Chavara.
Mannanam and Athirampuzha have boat jetties. Boat services were available until 10 years ago on Cheepunkal-Mannanam route.
A Kainakkara-Mannanam boat service is also in the pipeline. Two bridges – one on Mannanam-Kaippuzha road and Velankulam-Liseau Road – are a hindrance to this proposed service.
3. AC Canal
This canal starts at Manakkachira in Changanassery and stretches 16 km to end at Onnamkara in Kuttanad. The stretch from Onnamkara to Pallathuruthi in Alappuzha is in ruins now. Boat service from Manakkachira to Kavalam or Alappuzha through Kidangara is a possibility. This will help frequent flooding in Kuttanad and provide better paddy cultivation. These areas were deepened and banks fortified under the Kuttanad Package. But they are full of with weeds now. The canal from Onnamkara to Pallathuruthi has to be renovated and encroached area regained. Small bridges from Changanassery to Alappuzha should be reconstructed for smooth boat service.
National Waterways will revolutionalise growth in the district. Waterways will help reduce congestion and accidents on roads. Travel and freight charges will come down. It will attract more tourists and help local businesses.
