The district administration has chalked out an intensive plan to restore normalcy in the rain-battered coastal panchayat of Chellanam.

Some of the immediate measures to be implemented in the region include the removal of sand piled up along the shore and residential areas, removal and safe transportation of solid waste, cleaning using disinfectants, and restoration of sea walls using stones and geo-bags.

District Collector K. Mohammed Y. Safirulla directed a committee, comprising the executive engineer of Major Irrigation Department, district geologist, Chellanam grama panchayat secretary and the Kochi tahsildar, to resolve the technical difficulties raised by the panchayat authorities in removing piled-up sand.

The local body will have to remove the sand based on the guidelines issued by the committee. The Collector pointed out that it was the responsibility of the panchayat to remove the sand and ensure the flow of water in canals.

Cleaning work has begun in areas where waste had piled up following heavy rain. ASHA workers, NSS volunteers, and members of Anbodu Kochi, an NGO, will be part of the team engaged in the cleaning drive to be carried out on Saturday and Sunday. Fort Kochi RDO will issue the guidelines for the cleaning initiative.

Meanwhile, Kochi tahsildar K.V. Ambrose said water had started receding from houses at south Chellanam. Steps have been initiated to close down camps when the inmates return to their homes.

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