Cochin International Airport Ltd launched “Operation Paravaah” on Saturday, a multi-faceted infrastructure development program aimed at integrating flood mitigation projects from CIAL and local self-government organizations.

Cochin International Airport Ltd (CIAL) General Manager S Suhas made the announcement during a review meeting held today.

Operation Paravaah aims to integrate projects already launched by CIAL with those of the district administration and various local self-government organizations to prevent flooding of nearby airport facilities and panchayats, on a single platform, according to a press release published by CIAL.

Kochi Airport is one of the busiest in the country and handles around 10 million passengers per year.

However, the past two seasons of flooding in Kerala have affected the outlook for both the airport and the passenger community.

CIAL has undertaken works at a cost of around Rs 130 crore for flood mitigation in and around the airport.

“Renovation work on the diversion channel, built to alter the flow of flood waters outside the south side of the perimeter wall of the operational area, has been divided into five sections,” the statement said.

As part of the flood mitigation project, a pumping system will be operated by integrating the north and south drains of the airport operational area.

As the Covid-19 epidemic slowed down the progress of projects, the special review meeting was convened on the instruction of the Chief Minister.

Suhas, who is also the district collector, visited the construction site and reviewed the progress of the ongoing work.

Phase 1 of Operation Paravaah will end in the last week of July.

Phase 2 includes major construction activities including the construction of a Regulatory Bridge (RCB) at the mouth of the Chengal Canal for Rs 20.40 crore.

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