Efforts have commenced to restore the Punappuzha River to its original state after it was choked with debris due to the recent landslide disaster in Wayanad. The restoration work has been entrusted to the Uralungal Labour Contract Co-operative Society. Experts from the National Institute of Technology (NIT) Calicut have also visited the site to carry out an assessment.
The government had approved the Rs 195.55 crore project in March. Following this, a drone survey was also completed in Punnapuzha. The landslide disaster has obstructed the natural flow of the river due to large rocks, soil and trees. The 6.9 km river is now diverted. Urgent priority is being given to removing the obstacles in the current flow of the river before the monsoon season. The river will be restored to its former glory by constructing gabion protection walls. The landslide debris on the banks will also be removed and the area will be made suitable for agriculture.
