Residents seek removal of vegetation from Perumpallam Canal amid flood fears

The dense vegetation grown in the Perumpallam Canal in Erode as seen on Wednesday. | Photo Credit: M. GOVARTHAN Residents living along the Perumpallam Canal in Erode city have urged the Corporation to remove the vegetation growing in the canal, expressing concern that it could obstruct flow of water during rains and increase the risk of flooding in residential areas.The civic body has identified the northern bank of the canal, near Stony Bridge and Periyar Nagar, as highly vulnerable to flooding during the monsoon. Residents said rainwater entered their houses to a depth of about two feet and remained there for two days during previous monsoons.“During the monsoon, officials warn us of possible flooding. So, the vegetation growing in the canal must be removed,” said a resident of the Stony Bridge area.The demand comes after the Corporation completed a ₹200.71-crore restoration project covering the 12.15-km canal. The tasks included desilting, concrete lining, and construction of retaining walls, check dams, and four bridges.Residents said regular maintenance was essential to sustain the benefits of the restoration and ensure free flow of water.The growth of vegetation could also proliferate mosquitoes and other insects, they said and urged the civic body to clear the vegetation and undertake periodic maintenance, particularly ahead of rain.A senior Corporation official said desilting was under way on 16 stormwater streams, spanning a total of 45.44 km at ₹53.90 lakh as part of preparations for the northeast monsoon. Work on five streams had been completed. The official said that bushes would be cleared to prevent disruptions. Published - October 28, 2026 06:45 pm IST