Chinks in drainage system exposed

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The stiff dose of summer rainfall the city received on Monday once again exposed the chinks in the drainage system. Low-lying areas and many residential spots experienced waterlogging, providing an indicator to what the upcoming South-West Monsoon has in store for the city in June. Areas in Kazhakkoottam, Thampanoor, East Fort, Maruthamkuzhi and Sasthamangalam were waterlogged, largely owing to garbage-clogged drains and blocked culverts. Following the Vilappilsala crisis which began in December last, the small and big drains crisscrossing the city and opening into the Killiyar and the Karamana river had transformed into convenient spots for city residents for dumping garbage. Consequently, in many places, clogged trash prevented the smooth flow of storm water during the current summer showers. As on Wednesday, the flowing rainwater spewed large volumes of garbage dumped on the roadside on to the city streets on Monday also.   Mayor K Chandrika had launched the annual pre-monsoon cleaning drive of the City Corporation on the premises of the Connemara Market, Palayam, last week. The campaign, for which the Corporation has deployed additional daily wage staff, is expected to be completed by May 31.