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Trivandrum Waterlogging Sparks Debate as Mayor Calls for Departmental Coordination

Recent heavy summer rains in Thiruvananthapuram have once again caused severe waterlogging in major areas like Thampanoor, East Fort, and Pazhavangadi, causing significant distress to residents and commuters. In response to the growing public concern, Thiruvananthapuram Mayor V. V. Rajesh stated that the municipal corporation alone cannot solve this long-standing issue. He emphasized that a permanent solution requires the active coordination of nine different government departments working together.

Mayor Rajesh explained that unscientific construction over the years has led to the current drainage issues, which require a comprehensive plan rather than a quick fix. He highlighted that key water bodies like the Amayizhanjan canal and Parvathy Puthanar fall under the jurisdiction of the Irrigation Department. According to the Mayor, covering these canals with slabs and executing proper maintenance with joint state and central government funding is essential to resolve the city’s waterlogging permanently, a matter he has already discussed with the Chief Minister.

Amidst the civic challenges, the corporation’s new “Mayor Care” initiative has received widespread acclaim. The project, inspired by the Mayor’s own childhood struggles, distributes essential school kits containing bags, umbrellas, and lunch boxes to underprivileged children. Funded entirely through public and NRI donations rather than corporation funds, the initiative saw active participation from all political parties, with councilors from the CPM and Congress joining hands to pack over 5,000 kits based on lists provided by school headmasters.