Agro dredge craft deployed to remove temporary bund near Idiyanchira bridge

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A temporary bund near the Idiyanchira bridge being removed with an agro dredge craft of the Kerala State Agricultural Mechanisation Mission. | Photo Credit: K.K.NAJEEB KK

In an attempt to prevent potential flooding in kole fields, authorities have deployed an agro dredge craft of the Kerala State Agricultural Mechanisation Mission (KSAMM) to dismantle a temporary bund near the Idiyanchira bridge.

The bund, erected for shutter gate construction, posed a serious flood risk to nearby kole fields and residential areas if not removed before the onset of heavy monsoon rains. With water levels rising rapidly due to sudden rainfall, the bund had already been partially submerged, complicating removal efforts.

Officials said the operation involves removing soil as well as uprooting coconut stumps and wooden logs used in the temporary structure. If left uncleared, these obstructions could block water flow, increasing the risk of flooding in adjacent areas.

Given the strong current and heavy rain, conventional methods were not feasible for the Irrigation department. The agro dredge craft, capable of operating both on land and in water, is being used to carry out the work efficiently.

Manalur MLA C. Raveendranath visited the site to assess the ongoing operations. Authorities said the use of the specialised machine has helped expedite the process and is expected to prevent waterlogging in the region. The agro dredge craft is designed for clearing blockages in waterbodies such as canals, rivers and reservoirs, and can also assist in emergency response operations.