Rocks protruding into the rivers, hindering the smooth flow of water, especially during floods, can be removed in an appropriate manner, said Water Resources Minister Roshy Augustine. The district collectors are empowered to remove such obstacles under the provisions of the Disaster Management Act, said Mr. Augustine in reply to a submission of Sebastian Kulathunkal, MLA, in the Assembly.
A meeting called by the Chief Minister in 2019 had directed the district collectors to ensure smooth flow of water by taking up required works within the ambit of the Act. Frequent floods and landslips have deposited huge amounts of silt and soil in the rivers. This has to be removed at regular intervals to ensure water flow. A team of officials led by an executive engineer has been deputed to hold a preliminary inspection and collect details of each river, said Mr. Augustine.
