On mission mode: Operation Conolly Canal is now in its second phase where intense cleaning is undertaken. | Photo Credit: K_RAGESH more-in The Kozhikode Municipal Corporation is planning to deploy the maximum number of employees from all departments for cleaning up Conolly canal. Accordingly, all staffers of the corporation health wing will be at work on October 13, while those from other departments have been urged to join the initiative. Mayor Thottathil Raveendran said at least 1,000 employees of the corporation would take part in the mass clean-up drive next Saturday. They will include over 640 cleaning staffers who have already been part of Operation Conolly Canal. So far, Fire and Rescue Services and Irrigation departments and Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) have been actively involved in the operation which is coordinated by Niravu Vengeri. “The Fire Services and KSEB have been of great help in parts of the canal with unusual growth of trees and shrubs on its banks,” said Babu Parambath, project coordinator, Niravu. Operation Conolly Canal is now in its second phase where intense cleaning is undertaken under the aegis of sector-wise committees. The eight sectors are being managed by 17 sector committees chaired by 17 corporation councillors. The second phase involves removal of tree branches, bushes, water hyacinth, and also a certain amount of silt from the canal through public participation. Healthy competition “The second phase has turned into a competition between councillors and the committees they chair. They will be rewarded for their efforts,” Mr. Babu said. The best committee will be given a cash award of ?10,000 by Greater Malabar Initiative. Meanwhile, Rotary Club too has instituted awards for councillors. The awards, which be announced on Thursday, are in recognition of initiatives taken by each committee with regard to creating awareness on waste disposal as well as public participation in each sector. There will be one first prize, three second prizes, and consolation prizes as well. Meanwhile, discussions are on about organising a Conolly Canal Festival at the conclusion of the operation which will enter its third phase in a week.

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