Koottanad: The pipe-laying work as part of the Jal Jeevan Mission in Koottanad has become a serious hazard for residents and commuters. Months ago, channels were dug along the Guruvayur - Pattambi Road to lay drinking water supply pipes. Similar work was carried out in the Koottanad market. However, these stretches have now turned into death traps due to the authorities’ failure to cover the dug-up trenches properly after laying the pipes and to restore the damaged road surface.

Currently, the covered sections sink under the weight of passing vehicles. On one side of the road, the open channels have narrowed the stretch, leading to traffic snarls. Accidents are frequent, as motorists are often unaware of the water-filled potholes during rains. A few months ago, the tyre of a bus headed to Guruvayur got stuck in a channel dug for the project, and a car met with an accident at the same spot. Pedestrians too are having a nightmarish time navigating the flooded channels.

Drains turn traps
Poorly maintained drains are adding to the dangers in Koottanad town. Most drains between Koottanad and Aammakkav Road are in a dilapidated state. An open drain near the taxi stand along Pattambi Road poses a serious risk. If a taxi at this stand inadvertently reverses, it could lead to a major accident. When a drain in the town was damaged after a lorry ran over it, a nearby trader repaired it at his own expense by laying fresh slabs.

Clogged drains also cause flooding in the town. Although the Public Works Department recently removed soil from the channels to prevent flooding, slabs beneath the soil were removed with an earthmover but never replaced , further worsening the problem. The broken and exposed drains now pose a constant threat to pedestrians.