Peringara: The long-neglected Mepral Koorachalpadi–Karakkal canal, which winds through the Peringara panchayat, is finally being revived, thanks to the determined efforts of local residents. Once a thriving waterbody, the canal had become a stagnant drain choked with waste, weeds and water hyacinths, posing serious threats to the environment and public health.

With polluted water flowing unchecked and raising fears of epidemics, the canal had turned into a foul-smelling, toxic stretch. Frustrated by years of inaction from both the panchayat and concerned government departments, the residents have taken matters into their own hands. They have already completed cleaning the first 70 metres of the canal as part of a community-driven restoration effort.

Locals say they endured years of hardship as the canal continued to damage the ecology of their area. The cleanup effort is expected to continue until the entire length of the canal is cleared. Residents from Mepral, Chathankari, and Karaykkal, villages along the canal’s banks, have all joined hands in the mission to restore the waterbody and reclaim their environment.