Dredging of Pamban Canal Nearly Complete for Improved Navigation

Intensive dredging work in the Pamban sea canal is progressing rapidly, with 2,500 metres of the 3,500-metre stretch already cleared. The ₹9.5 crore project, aimed at removing accumulated silt and deepening the canal, is expected to be completed by the end of this month, officials confirmed.

Historic Canal Faces Navigation Challenges

The Pamban canal, a vital waterway connecting the Gulf of Mannar and the Palk Strait, has a storied history dating back to its natural formation during a massive cyclone in 1480 CE. Spanning approximately 2 km, the canal runs beneath the Pamban road and rail bridges and is historically significant as one of India’s oldest navigational routes.

Over time, the canal's depth has decreased to less than two metres due to silt accumulation, making navigation increasingly difficult. Ships and motorboats frequently get stuck in the sand, causing delays and accidents. The Tamil Nadu Maritime Board responded to long-standing demands for dredging by awarding the current contract to a private firm.

Round-the-Clock Operations to Restore Depth

The dredging operation, which began earlier this year, involves the use of a stationed dredger in the Gulf of Mannar near Kunthukal. A powerful pump onboard the vessel is removing silt mixed with water and transporting it to the shore via iron pipelines. The goal is to restore the canal to a depth of over two metres, ensuring smooth passage for vessels.

This is not the first time the Pamban canal has undergone dredging. The British first undertook such work in 1854, and it was dredged again after the devastating Dhanushkodi cyclone in 1964. However, the current project is critical to addressing the pressing issue of frequent ship groundings.

Boost to Regional Connectivity and Maritime Economy

Once the dredging is completed, the canal will allow uninterrupted movement of ships and motorboats, significantly improving navigation efficiency. This is expected to boost regional trade and tourism, given Pamban port's historical and economic importance. The project underscores the ongoing efforts to maintain and enhance India’s maritime infrastructure.

Source: The Hindu