Kerala Government Approves ₹523 Crore Project to Solve Kochi's Water Crisis
The Department of Water Resources in Kerala has approved a ₹523-crore project described as a 'perennial solution' to Kochi's drinking water supply problems, Minister for Water Resources Mons Joseph informed the State Assembly on Tuesday. The project now awaits final administrative sanction from the Finance department.
Replying to a Calling Attention motion moved by T.J. Vinod, MLA, highlighting the acute water shortage in Kochi, Mr. Joseph said the project includes setting up a 190 million litres per day (MLD) drinking water treatment and storage plant, along with a pump house, on the banks of the Periyar river in Aluva. The plant will serve the Kochi Corporation, five adjoining municipalities, and 13 panchayats, and has been planned based on projected water consumption up to 2050.
The Minister also noted that the Kerala Water Authority (KWA) is constructing a 25-lakh-litre water storage tank and sump on its own land to provide a permanent solution to supply disruptions caused by the collapse of a storage compartment at the 135 MLD Thammanam plant. An estimate of ₹30 crore has been prepared for this project, and temporary arrangements have been made to ensure water supply in the interim.
Mr. Vinod called for urgent measures to secure adequate water for domestic, commercial, and Jal Jeevan Mission projects. He pointed out that Kochi faces a daily water shortage of about 50 MLD despite receiving 225 MLD from the Aluva Water Treatment Plant (with 121.5 MLD supplied to the city) and 100 MLD from the Maradu Water Treatment Plant (with 53.5 MLD supplied). Supply losses have increased to 40-50%, he said, and the deterioration of a compartment at the Thammanam tank due to age has worsened the shortage. The system supplies water to around 1.5 lakh domestic connections, 28,000 non-domestic and industrial connections, and major establishments like Kochi Port, Naval Headquarters, Cochin Shipyard, railway stations, hospitals, educational institutions, and hotels.
The Minister added that the Jal Jeevan Mission is being expedited to provide water connections to all households in panchayats, and the AMRUT scheme for water supply distribution within Kochi Corporation is progressing rapidly.
