Posted on March 24, 2025
Kochi: The irrigation department will soon restart work to remove silt deposits from the backwaters around Mattancherry boat jetty. Substantial silt deposits in the region are creating significant difficulties for boat services operated by state water transport department (SWTD) and Kochi Water Metro Limited.
Following delays in silt removal, West Kochi Passengers’ Association had sought intervention of state human rights commission (SHRC) and high court.
Despite the irrigation department initiating dredging work on the 1.8km stretch from Mattancherry to Fort Kochi, the work remains incomplete. Although SWTD authorities reinstated boat services from Mattancherry, operations are restricted to the high tide period, as silt deposits present considerable risks during low tide.
“We have decided to resume dredging work in the area soon. The contractor who abandoned the work halfway months ago, has approached us again seeking permission to carry out the remaining work. However, we are yet to make a decision. Nevertheless, we are planning to complete the dredging work within weeks,” said a source at the major irrigation department.
Additionally, Kerala State Inland Navigation Corporation (KSINC) has also requested the irrigation department to carry out dredging activities in the Thevara boat jetty area, where silt deposited during 2018 remains uncleared.
