Monsoon Preparedness Gets a Boost
Ahead of the looming monsoon season, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has given the green light to a comprehensive ₹34.8 crore package to tackle the perpetual issue of waterlogging and flooding along National Highway (NH)66 in Kerala.
The funds will be distributed strategically to improve drainage infrastructure in surrounding areas, with a significant chunk allocated to Thrissur, Malappuram, and Kollam districts. The NHAI has identified that many drainage problems stem from outside the National Highway perimeter, caused by blocked natural drains, altered land-use patterns, and inadequate connectivity to nearby discharge channels.
A Collaborative Effort
In a bid to address these challenges, the NHAI has joined forces with the State government, requesting district administrations to prepare location-specific estimates through relevant departments. The NHAI will fully fund the construction costs required to connect highway drainage outlets to the nearest natural waterbodies, providing major relief to residents along the highway corridor who endure recurring flooding and water stagnation during heavy rainfall.
A key aspect of this initiative is the design of an integrated drainage network based on detailed field assessments, aiming to safeguard not only highway infrastructure and service roads but also nearby residential areas, ultimately enhancing public safety and convenience during the monsoon. To ensure sustainable, long-term water flow management, the estimates and field-level proposals are being prepared by Local Self-Governments department (LSGD) engineers and district technical teams.
Key Highlights of the Project:
- ₹14.92 crore allocated to Thrissur district
- ₹10.91 crore allocated to Malappuram district
- ₹8.97 crore allocated to Kollam district
- Funds will be managed directly through the respective district Collectors’ offices
- Physical execution of the link drainage works will be carried out by local self-government institutions or other designated departments
This coordinated implementation mechanism is expected to ensure faster project execution and superior local coordination, ultimately providing a long-term solution to the drainage woes along NH66 in Kerala.
Source: Original Article
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