The Canoly Canal is Kerla’s vital inland waterway.
The Canoly Canal starts from Ponnani and flows thru Trichur, meets Periyar and meets the Vembanad Lake. So this inland waterway can stretch from Malappuram to Alleppey. Goods can be transported via the canal which will ease road and rail traffic. General boating and tourists can travel, if this canal built by a Westerner can be revived !
IT is said that the Government has already initiated a project to revive the canal. It was the visit of a team led by B R Menon, Chairman, KSINC, which triggered the significance of the Canal.
The Canoly Canal was built by the earstwhile Governor of Malabar. Till the late 1950s, the Canal was used as a major waterway for the transportation of goods and ferrying passengers.
Today the Canal represents a pathetic picture. BR Menon said that the Government is actively trying to develop the canal. This major inland waterway can connect many districts and goods and passenger traffic can be would be introduced through it and this will ease roal and rail traffic.
Dredging will be carried out every year. The Canal will be deepened at some places. 3.1 cr would have to be spent for strengthening the walls of the Canal. The Canal is part of the West Coast Canal System. It has a width varying from 6 to 20 meters and the water depth ranges from .5 to 2 meters.
Inland water system is cheaper by 50% than that of road and rail systems. It is also environment friendly and fuel efficient mode of transportation.
Kerala Tourism will receive a boost, if this canal is revived.