Alappuzha: The protective wall along the eastern side of the road running beside the AS Canal, between the Mattancherry and Kommady bridges in Alappuzha, has been collapsing frequently. Residents have also observed that the road surface has begun to sink near the sections where the wall has given way.

This stretch marks the starting point of the proposed Manaveeyam Veedhi in Alappuzha. Locals said the road began sinking after heavy goods vehicles were permitted to use the route.

While inaugurating the construction of bridges at Arattuvazhy, Vellappally, and Kalappura on February 29, 2024, Minister Saji Cherian had announced plans to develop the AS Canal banks on the lines of Thiruvananthapuram’s Manaveeyam Veedhi. He said the Alappuzha stretch would be transformed into a public space featuring evening gatherings, cultural performances, canal-side boat races, lighting, and food stalls. The project is to be jointly implemented by the Fisheries and Tourism departments.

Recently, P P Chitharanjan, the Alappuzha MLA, said that all works related to the project would be completed by December 24 and a race of small boats would be organised on the occasion. The MLA also said that an amount of ₹1.50 crore would be allotted for the project from the tourism fund. “The Savakkotta bridge and those at Kommady, Arattuvazhy, Vellappally and Kalappura will be beautified with illumination,” he added.

However, after these announcements, the road began sinking at several spots. The defect is noticed mostly on the pedestrian paths built along the banks of the canal. Rocks which are part of the protective wall and the walkway have collapsed into the canal. Depressions are also noticed on the adjoining road.

Even though contractors under the Public Works Department (PWD) repaired the protective wall without delay, the threat of further collapse persists at many more spots. At the same time, PWD authorities claimed that there was nothing to worry about.

Meanwhile, local people pointed out that the reconstruction of a 1.90-km-long stretch of the road on the western side of the AS Canal, which was started on November 21, 2019, as a KIIFB project, is yet to be completed. Work on all projects launched simultaneously, such as the widening of the Savakkotta bridge, renovation of the Kommady bridge and land acquisition, is already over, said the residents.