A view of flooded Cochin International Airport on August 15, 2018
| Photo Credit:
In view of the prevailing heavy rainfall, Cochin International Airport Limited (CIAL) has strengthened its flood mitigation measures to prevent waterlogging at the airport and surrounding areas.As part of these efforts, Operation Pravah, CIAL’s comprehensive flood prevention initiative aimed at ensuring the uninterrupted flow of rainwater and minimizing the possibility of water stagnation, has been revved up by integrating measures like real time surveillance of flow of the water toward both outside and inside the operational area.Extensive canal and drainage cleaning works have been carried out along the major canal networks connected to the airport. The objective of the initiative is to improve the natural flow of rainwater by removing accumulated silt, soil, waste, and other obstructions that hinder water flow.During the first two phases of Operation Pravah, CIAL implemented several infrastructure development projects aimed at facilitating the smooth flow of rainwater. As part of these efforts, three bridges along with the restoration of several roads have already been completed.During the second phase of Operation Pravah, the Diversion Canal on the southern side of the runway was widened, and nearly 20 km of various drainage channels were upgraded. These measures have significantly enhanced flood control within the airport and the surrounding areas.At present, an integrated flood management system is operational through the coordinated efforts of various departments. A dedicated real time dynamic monitoring system has been established to continuously monitor water levels in the Periyar River from Neeleswaram, the river’s entry point into the region, as well as across the airport’s drainage network.In addition, water levels at various points along the Periyar River, as well as the inflow and outflow of water within the airport’s drainage network, are being continuously monitored. The collected data is centrally compiled, analysed, and used to initiate appropriate response measures whenever required. A Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) integrating all engineering departments for comprehensive monitoring and control operations has been implemented by CIAL with effect from August 1.Published on August 6, 2026
