Efforts under way to clear Puckle canal in Thoothukudi

Thoothukudi Corporation has commenced the desilting of the 7.2-km Puckle canal, the city’s major rainwater drainage channel, with the work expected to be completed before the onset of monsoon.

At present, three earth movers have been deployed at different locations along the canal. One is engaged in widening the tail end of the canal at Threspuram, where the canal merges with the sea. Another is operating near Food Corporation of India (FCI) godown and third is involved in the routine cleaning work. While the corporation is determined to complete the task before the rains, residents of Thoothukui feel that the canal requires a more effective implementation plan and long term maintenance.

Thoothukudi CPI(M) city secretary Muthu welcomed the corporation’s initiative to desilt the canal, but stressed the need to restore the dilapidated embankments, particularly near Raju Nagar. “Beyond annual desilting, the corporation should ensure proper maintenance of the canal, as it is the city’s primary drainage source,” he said.

On the other hand, AIADMK functionary A.Santhanam criticised the slow progress of the work in certain stretches. He noted that invasive weed growth and the accumulation of plastic waste near the Third Mile region obstruct the flow of water, creating unhygienic conditions and leading to infections in the locality.

Speaking about the initiative, Thoothukudi Mayor Jegan Periyasamy said the canal had been desilted regularly for the past three to four years, which had significantly improved water flow during the monsoon, except during the heavy floods in 2023. “Every year we work with the goal of preventing water stagnation in each ward. Last year only wards 16,17 and 18 were affected, and we are addressing those issues this year.”

The Mayor further added that the corporation was continuously spreading awareness on preventing plastic clogging in canals and other water bodies, and had requested the public to cooperate with the effort. The desilting work had been planned for completion before September 15 to ensure free flow of water along the entire stretch of the canal.