In the 80s of the 19th century, the surrounding areas of Batumi were covered with swamps. Malaria and other epidemic diseases raged systematically.

In the 80s of the 19th century, the surrounding areas of Batumi were covered with swamps. Malaria and other epidemic diseases raged systematically. The government general, G. Zhilinsky, was commissioned to draw up a project to drain the swamps. In 1882, under the direction of G. Zhilinsky, the first main canal was built, which crossed the entire length of the city. The canal's route was as follows: It began at the Mejinistskali River and followed today's Inasaridze Street. From the intersection of Inasaridze and Kobaladze Streets, it followed Kobaladze Street, crossed General Aslan Abashidze Street, and then led to Bagrationi Street, from where it crossed Eristavi Street and Gogol Street and flowed into the Barckhana River. The length of the canal was 4336 metres.
From November 1904, the Zhilinsky Canal was deepened and widened. The Pavlov, Andrevi, and Ivanov drainage canals were relocated, as was the entire network of lateral drainage canals. At the same time, the city's low-lying areas were filled with gravel and earth. This work made it possible to dry out the swampy areas completely. The construction of the Zhilisky Canal was completed in 1909.
Only ¼ of the canal remains today. Part of the canal was liquidated in the 1940s.

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