Kumily: Despite repeated efforts by the Kumily Panchayat, the problem of persistent waterlogging in the town remains unresolved, as lasting relief hinges on intervention from the National Highways Authority of India. The flooding is primarily caused by blocked drainage, with water frequently accumulating near the petrol pump.

In earlier years, water used to flow onto the road at this site only during the monsoon season. However, with the drainage now completely blocked, water discharged from nearby commercial establishments, including hotels, is also spilling onto the road. The drainage, which begins from the side of Vandanmedu Junction, is supposed to carry water across the National Highway through a canal behind the town, eventually reaching the Anavachal Stream in Thekkady.

The portion of the drain that passes beneath the National Highway is clogged with waste, preventing smooth water flow through the channel. It has been several years since the town’s drainage network was last cleaned.

As water continues to inundate the road, causing inconvenience to the public, the Panchayat attempted to clear the drainage by removing slabs from part of the channel. However, the effort had to be abandoned, as cleaning could not proceed without clearing at least a portion of the pedestrian path on the opposite side.