North Paravur: In a distressing development, the funeral rites of Chandran (60) of Padikkal Veetil, Kedamangalam, were held amidst persistent waterlogging in his home on Tuesday. The continued flooding is attributed to the unscientific construction of a drainage system as part of the National Highway 66 expansion.

Chandran, a daily wage labourer, had been living with his ailing wife Seetha on a small 2.5-cent plot in Ward 26 of the North Paravur municipality. The construction of the new highway is progressing close to their property.

With the house still submerged, a temporary platform had to be constructed within the premises to perform the funeral rites. Afterwards, the body was cremated at the Cheranalloor crematorium.

When Chandran complained of chest pain a few days ago, locals, including Ward Councillor D Rajkumar, had to wade through knee-deep water to help him into an ambulance. He was rushed to Ernakulam Medical College but passed away at the hospital.

The source of the waterlogging is a newly constructed culvert and drainage system built as part of the National Highway works. However, instead of resolving drainage issues, the system channels water directly into Chandran’s property. The situation worsened over time, with the septic tank also developing leaks, causing wastewater to overflow onto the premises.

Despite repeated complaints from residents and the municipality to the District Collector and the highway construction contractor, no action was taken. The matter was even raised at a ministerial-level review meeting related to NH development.

Following Chandran's death, municipal authorities once again brought the issue to the attention of the District Collector. Although efforts were made to pump out the water, they met with limited success, said Saji Nambiyath, Chairman of the Public Works Standing Committee.