Can CSML's silt pusher help SWTD resume services to Mattancherry?

SWTD blames Irrigation dept for failing to act on its repeated pleas to remove silt from channel

- KRISHNA KUMAR K E @Kochi

THE Cochin Carnival, the biggest gala of West Kochi, is off to a lively start as tourist arrivals to the historical spots of Fort Kochi and Mattancherry have started witnessing a rise. And the State Water Transport Department (SWTD) is desperate to resume its boat services to Mattancherry to cater to the tourist demand. But the failure of the irrigation department to remove the silt accumulated in the channel has hit its plans big time.

Now, as a last-ditch effort, the department has sought the help of the Cochin Smart Mission Ltd (CSML) to clear the channel of the silt deposits using the new silt pusher machine that the latter is acquiring for the Kochi corporation.