Ahead of the southwest monsoon, the Coimbatore Corporation has taken up desilting and canal restoration works across the city to facilitate the free flow and storage of rainwater in lakes and water channels connected to the Noyyal river system.

District Collector Pavankumar G. Giriyappanavar and Corporation Commissioner M. Sivaguru Prabakaran inspected the ongoing works in the East and Central zones on Friday and directed officials to expedite the operations.

The Corporation has taken up desilting of the 3.27-km-long Puttuvikki canal, which carries surplus floodwater to Kurichi Kulam from the Kurichi anaicut area during heavy inflow in the Noyyal . The canal had become overgrown with bushes and vegetation, affecting water flow.

During periods of heavy rain, floodwater flowing in the Noyyal is diverted through interconnected lakes and ponds along the river course. The Coimbatore Corporation maintains nine waterbodies within the city limits.

The Corporation has taken up desilting and clearing works in the West Zone along the inlet canal of Krishnampathi Lake as part of the monsoon preparedness measures.

In the East Zone, the Collector and Corporation Commissioner inspected desilting and clearing works along a 2.3-km stretch of the water inlet canal at Pattinam Itteri in Nesavalar Colony on Trichy Road.

In the Central Zone, they also reviewed the removal of water hyacinth from Selva Chinthamani Lake in Ward 80 and similar clearing works along a 1.7-km stretch of the Rajavaikkal canal connecting the tank with Periyakulam in Ukkadam.