The first phase of the Kanampuzha Revival Project, under the Kannur Corporation’s ‘Kannur Kalathinopam’ initiative, will be inaugurated by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on December 26 at 10:30 a.m.
Minister for Water Resources Roshi Augustine will launch the second phase of the renovation work, with Minister for Registration, Museums, Archaeology and Archives Ramachandran Kadannappally presiding over the event, according to a press release.
As part of the Green Kerala Project, restoration efforts have revitalised key sections of Kanampuzha. The ₹4.40 crore work between Cheep Bridge and Thilannoor Shishu Mandiram Road was funded by the Irrigation Department, while ₹2 crore from the Kannur Mandal MLA’s Asset Development Fund supported the restoration between Chovva Railway Bridge and Mandenvayal.
The efforts have improved irrigation for the extensive paddy fields at Elayavoor and Periyangalayi, restored the river’s beauty, and introduced public footpaths to promote tourism.
Kanampuzha, which originates from Ayyappanmala in Munderi Panchayat and flows into the Arabian Sea, stretches over 10 km passing through areas such as Macheri, Kappad, Thilannur, Thazhae Chovva, Kuruva, Adikadalai, and Kuruva.
Years of encroachments, waste dumping, and sewage discharge polluted the river and negatively impacted the surrounding agriculture. However, the revival project has successfully restored its ecological and agricultural importance.
As part of the revival project, two new Venturi-Cement Barriers (VCBs) were constructed at Cheep Palam and Kudathinthazhe, while shutters were added to existing barriers at Thilanur Bypass and Periyangalai Shishu Mandiram. It has also expanded paddy cultivation from 100 acres to larger areas, raised water levels in over 250 nearby wells, and revived fallow lands in Elayavoor and Chelora.
Several events are planned leading up to the inauguration, including a children’s drawing camp, seminars, and a photo and picture exhibition.
Published – December 23, 2024 11:42 pm IST