The Cochin International Airport Limited (CIAL) has said it has further strengthened its flood mitigation programme, Operation Pravah, to counter threats of flooding at the airport and in its neighbourhood in the wake of recurrent spells of heavy rain.

The programme has been enhanced by integrating real-time monitoring of water flow both within and outside the airport’s operational areas, ensuring uninterrupted drainage and minimising the risk of stagnation. Major canals in the vicinity, including Chengalthodu, Kaithakattuchira Thodu, and the diversion canal, have been cleaned along with adjoining drainage networks to facilitate the natural flow of rainwater by removing accumulated silt, soil, waste, and other obstructions, a communication said.

Cleaning and restoration works are being carried out across a total stretch of 23.85 kilometres of canals and drainage channels at a cost of around ₹41 lakh. These works cover 17.90 kilometres of Chengalthodu, 3.15 kilometres of the diversion canal, and 2.80 kilometres of Kaithakattuchira Thodu, divided into four packages, it said.

Construction of three new bridges at Chowara, Mathathimoola, and Puliyampilly, at a total cost of ₹40 crore, is also progressing. The project has been entrusted to RITES Limited under the Ministry of Railways. The works have gained significant momentum following coordination among the Water Resources Department and the Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB), according to a release issued by CIAL.

An integrated flood management system is also operational in coordination with multiple departments. A dedicated real-time dynamic monitoring system has been established to continuously track water levels in the Periyar River from Neeleswaram, the river’s entry point into the region, as well as across the airport’s drainage network, according to the company.

The collected data is centrally compiled, analysed, and used to initiate timely response measures. A Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) integrating all engineering departments for monitoring and control operations has also been implemented by CIAL with effect from August 1, it said.