COIMBATORE: Imagine a path for walkers, parks and even food courts along the Sanganur Canal that now carries sewage more than rainwater to the Singanallur Tank. What looks like a dream now may come true if the Coimbatore Corporation succeeds in implementing a Rs.104-crore scheme for beautification of the canal. And, with it, a source of frustration may turn into one of joy.

Landmark

The scheme is to be implemented under the Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM) of the Union Ministry of Urban Development. Initially, the Corporation planned cleaning up of the canal and strengthening of the bunds at Rs.20 crore. Now, it wants to turn the canal into a landmark at Rs.104 crore.

The 9.7-km stretch of the canal in the city is to be rid of encroachments on either side. A survey has been taken up by the Corporation on the number of families living along the canal. They are estimated to be around 5,000, says the Corporation Commissioner, P. Muthuveeran. As for the slums, these will be relocated under another project.

Concrete flooring

"We plan to have a concrete flooring for the canal, form a path for walkers and benches or seats for them to rest. An elaborate landscaping along the canal and food courts at various points are the other highlights of the project," the Commissioner says. The plan for food courts indicates the Corporation's intention to turn various stretches along the canal into recreation spots.

The civic body will have a detailed project report in three months and the scheme may take off in four to six months, says the Commissioner.

Drainage

The Corporation is confident that the problem of discharge of sewage into the canal may end once the underground sewers are provided in layouts along the canal, under its Underground Drainage Scheme to be implemented under the JNNURM.

The Corporation, however, may have to battle such a discharge from layouts that come under neighbouring local bodies. Sewage from the canal leads to heavy growth of water hyacinth in the Singanallur Tank. The Corporation also plans to improve six other natural drains (totally 35.12 km.)

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