In a bid to alleviate drinking water scarcity in and around Kochi, a significant development has taken place with the inclusion of a 190-MLD water project in the proposed Asian Development Bank (ADB)-funded Kerala Urban Water Supply Improvement scheme. This decision, made during a meeting on Friday (April 11), follows demands from trade unions and political leaders to revive the project that aims to source water from the Periyar in Aluva.
The conception of the 190-MLD project on 1.57 hectares of Kerala Water Authority (KWA)-owned land near the agency’s water treatment plant in Aluva is a crucial step towards meeting the drinking water needs of the Kochi Corporation, five nearby municipalities, and 13 panchayats. This initiative was necessitated by the inadequacy of the current water supply in meeting the demands of residents and businesses in the region.
Meeting the Future Water Needs
As discussions unfolded with employee organizations of the KWA, Industries Minister P. Rajeeve and Irrigation Minister Roshy Augustine played pivotal roles in reaching an agreement with the Kochi Corporation to move forward with the project. The proposed 190-MLD water project is not merely a short-term fix but a forward-thinking solution designed to cater to the water requirements of the region up to the year 2050.
The project encompasses various components such as a new pump house, pump set, and water storage and treatment tanks to ensure a robust and efficient water supply system. A detailed project report outlining the specifics of the initiative, estimated at ₹523 crores, is currently pending government approval. Once sanctioned, this project will significantly enhance water supply to multiple areas under the purview of the Kochi Corporation, thereby benefiting a wide range of localities including Aluva, Eloor, Thrikkakara, Kalamassery, and Maradu municipalities, along with several gram panchayats.
Empowering Communities through Sustainable Water Solutions
This ambitious project underscores the commitment of local authorities and government officials to provide sustainable solutions to the pressing issue of water scarcity. By leveraging the financial support from the ADB, the Kerala Urban Water Supply Improvement scheme in Kochi is poised to set a benchmark for urban water management and infrastructure development.
In the face of burgeoning demands for drinking water due to upcoming government schemes such as the Jal Jeevan Mission and Amrut, the timely execution of the 190-MLD water project is crucial to ensure the well-being and prosperity of the communities it serves. Through concerted efforts and strategic planning, this initiative will not only address immediate water supply challenges but also lay the foundation for a resilient and future-ready water distribution system.
As we look ahead to a future where water scarcity poses a growing threat to urban centers, initiatives like the 190-MLD water project in Kochi serve as a beacon of hope and progress. By prioritizing sustainable water management practices and investing in robust infrastructure, we can secure a better quality of life for generations to come. The journey towards water security begins with a single drop – let us join hands in fostering a greener, cleaner, and more water-secure future for all.
