In the wake of rainwater entering houses in low-lying areas when heavy rain lashed the city on October 2, the Shivamogga City Corporation has commenced work of removing silt from the major storm-water drains in the city.
On Wednesday, work was undertaken in Vidya Nagar locality. The corporation cleared silt and dirt in the main drain in Bapuji Nagar, Islapura and Hosamane localities on Thursday.
Rainwater had entered more than 40 houses in Bapuji Nagar, Vidya Nagar, Gopala, Chikkal, R.M.L. Nagar and surrounding localities on October 2. The clogging of drainage by silt and dirt is said to be the reason for the flooding.
The city has 30 km of main storm-water drains. Work on removing silt from ‘raja kaluves’ was last undertaken in 2014.
The civic body plans to rejuvenate the main SWD network in the city at a cost of ₹57 crore under the Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT). As the tender formalities related to AMRUT works are yet to be completed, the authorities decided to take up work on clearing silt and dirt in order to ensure free flow of rainwater.
Mullai Muhilan, commissioner of the corporation, said five major choking points in the main drain have been identified. Work on removal of silt is being undertaken at all these points. Four pokelane machines are being used for the work, which is expected to be completed by October 10, he said.