The Thiruvananthapuram Corporation is set to introduce silt pusher and silt trapper along with suction cum jetting machine to clean canals and drains in the city. The machines will be used to remove the silt and waste that gets collected in the canals and drains so as to ensure free flow of stormwater.
According to the office of the Minister for Local Self-Governments M.B. Rajesh, the tender proceedings for the purchase of a jetting-cum-suction machine are currently in progress, and it is expected to be procured by July. The machine can be used to clean drains for a considerable distance without opening the slabs. It was tested in Kochi, where it aided in reducing flooding in some areas.
The Minister had held discussions with the Managing Director of the Cochin International Airport Limited for the use of the methods used in cleaning and flood control at the Airport in Thiruvananthapuram city until the suction machine become available. The silt pusher and slot trapper are being introduced as part of this.
