Obviously, routine exercises like cleaning the drain and storm sewer lines have to be carried out to avoid blockage. But WASA planners should not lose sight of the fact that the canals in and around the city are the natural drains for flushing out water, particularly during the monsoon. Unfortunately, most of these canals have gone derelict due to illegal occupation and the resultant obstruction of the flow of water. This natural drainage system has to be revived to prevent waterlogging on a long term basis.

The WASA project had also envisaged dredging the canals on the basis of a study conducted by the district administration. It found out that 14 out of 35 canals in the city could still be recovered and the WASA started clearing these canals in May last. But the job is partially done. The canals have not been sufficiently cleared and connected to the rivers outside the city. In other words, the situation remains unchanged.

We believe that the tasks of cleaning drains and dredging canals should be undertaken simultaneously. Experts have time and again emphasised the need for making the derelict canals navigable. And this has also been a major goal of the WASA project. But it has focussed its attention on routine, short term measures instead of going for a permanent solution to the problem of water logging. The decision-makers should waste no more time and shift their attention to reviving the canals which are still not moribund, keeping in view the multiple benefits of having them flowing through the city. These canals will have a very positive impact on the city's environment, alongside removing water logging.