Local body in Idukki tackles flood by clearing streams and culverts
The Kumily panchayat in Idukki successfully prevented seasonal flooding by proactively clearing streams and desilting culverts. Local officials collaborated with highway authorities and took action against waste dumping to ensure effective water drainage.
Why it matters
This demonstrates how proactive local governance and infrastructure maintenance can mitigate the impact of extreme weather events on urban settlements.
While several local bodies across the State are grappling with waterlogging and severe flooding due to heavy rains, a local body in the hilly district of Idukki has successfully tackled its years-long flooding issue by proactively clearing streams and culverts.
According to officials of Kumily panchayat — the gateway to the famous tourist destination of Thekkady in the Periyar Tiger Reserve (PTR)—the town and its nearby settlements have suffered prolonged waterlogging for several years. During heavy downpours, the Kumily town, Valiyakandam, First Mile, and Periyar Colony consistently experienced severe inundation in the past.
However, despite the panchayat area receiving nearly 100 mm of rainfall on the morning of August 1, no waterlogging was reported in the town or surrounding settlements. Kumily panchayat president M.M. Varghese noted that, considering the severity of past flooding in the town and residential areas, the panchayat initiated cleaning operations as early as March.
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