Erode Corporation intensifies desilting of drains ahead of northeast monsoon

With the northeast monsoon expected in the third week of October, the Erode Corporation has intensified desilting of major stormwater drains to prevent waterlogging in residential areas.

The civic body has commenced the desilting of Pichaikaran Pallam Odai for a stretch of 2.90 km to prevent water from entering Annai Sathya Nagar, Thiruvalluvar Nagar, Nesavalar Colony, Pavendar Street and Cauvery Street. Bushes along the watercourse are being cleared using an earthmover.

Sunnambu Odai is also being desilted for 6 km, while the stream near Perumal Malai is being desilted for 3.50 km. The works are in progress and are expected to be completed next week.

The Corporation has also stepped up cleaning activities in the wards as part of its monsoon preparedness. Mass cleaning drives are being conducted on Fridays to remove waste and other materials that could obstruct the flow of stormwater through drains.

A health official said that 35 workers in each of the four Corporation zones have been assigned exclusively for desilting drains. The 140 workers regularly undertake desilting in their respective wards throughout the year. As part of preparations for the monsoon, they are currently focusing on major stormwater drains and watercourses prone to clogging and overflowing.

Meanwhile, 436 domestic breeding checkers are carrying out anti-dengue measures daily across all 60 wards in the four zones. They are inspecting residential and public premises for mosquito breeding sources and taking preventive measures. The teams are also creating awareness among residents about keeping their premises free of stagnant water.