Coimbatore Corporation installs generators to ensure continuous operation of motor pumps at underpasses during rain

Coimbatore Corporation installs generators to ensure continuous operation of motor pumps at underpasses during rain

In a bid to tackle water stagnation during heavy rainfall, Coimbatore Corporation has installed generators to operate motor pumps at the Kaleeswara Mill underpass and the underpass beneath the old Avinashi Road flyover.

The initiative addresses challenges posed by frequent power outages that disrupt the operation of motor pumps, causing flooding in these areas.

A senior Corporation official said, “During power outages, motor pumps stop functioning, and within five minutes, water levels rise by up to two feet. This has been a recurring issue during heavy rain. To ensure uninterrupted operation of the pumps and maintain smooth traffic flow, we have installed generators.”

The Kaleeswara Mill underpass is now equipped with a 125 kVA generator installed at a cost of ₹11 lakh, while a 160 kVA generator has been installed at the old Avinashi Road flyover underpass for ₹14 lakh.

Both underpasses have been upgraded with new high-capacity motor pumps, replacing the 25-year-old diesel-powered models. The Kaleeswara Mill underpass now includes three pumps: a 36 hp motor and two 21 hp motors. The old Avinashi Road flyover underpass is equipped with five pumps, comprising two 36 hp motors, a 24 hp motor, a 28 hp motor, and a 15 hp motor. These pumps are essential for efficiently draining rainwater and preventing flooding during the monsoon season.

The official also noted that groundwater seepage contributed to persistent water presence in these underpasses. “The seepage causes water to cover the surface consistently. Once the groundwater levels decrease, the underpasses will remain dry,” the official said.