New Water Plant Approved to Help Kochi Get More Drinking Water

A new water treatment plant in Aluva has been approved quickly to help Kochi and nearby towns get more drinking water. This project is important because many people do not have enough water. It is funded by the Asian Development Bank.
By Newsroom | Water Supply, Kerala |

A critical water treatment project in Aluva, Kerala, is moving forward with expedited government approval, aiming to alleviate a significant drinking water deficit impacting Kochi and surrounding areas. The proposed 190-million litres per day (MLD) plant, supported by the Asian Development Bank (ADB), has seen increased attention due to persistent water scarcity, exacerbated by infrastructure failures and growing demand. While the project promises a substantial increase in water supply, concerns have been raised by trade unions regarding potential privatization of water distribution.

Background: A Decade of Water Woes and Project Stasis

Kochi and its surrounding regions have faced a protracted struggle with insufficient potable water supply. This shortage is partly attributed to a demand-supply gap, with estimates suggesting a deficit of 45 MLD currently. The situation was further compounded by the collapse of a storage tank at the Thammanam pump house in November of the previous year, drastically reducing water storage capacity and intensifying water scarcity, particularly within Kochi Corporation. The project, originally conceived to source 190 MLD from the Periyar River in Aluva, has been in consideration for over a decade, experiencing delays and funding challenges.

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Finance dept.’s approval to new 190MLD water treatment plant at Aluva to be fast tracked - 1

  • Early surveys by the irrigation department raised questions about the adequacy of Periyar's water flow for the proposed 190 MLD plant and an additional 43 MLD plant for Kinfra.

  • Attempts to fund the project through the Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board (KIIFB) and Rebuild Kerala initiatives were explored but did not materialize due to various constraints.

  • Trade unions within the Kerala Water Authority (KWA) have expressed reservations, fearing the project might lead to the privatization of water distribution.

Accelerated Approval and Funding Pathways

Recent developments indicate a concerted effort to fast-track the approval process for the Aluva water treatment plant.

  • The Finance Department's approval is being expedited.

  • The project is to be funded by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) as part of the Kerala Urban Water Supply Improvement scheme.

  • The State Cabinet has approved the contract for this ADB-funded initiative, specifically for Kochi.

  • The estimated cost for the project is reported to be ₹523 Crore.

Project Scope and Beneficiary Regions

The 190 MLD water treatment plant is designed to serve a wide area, significantly boosting the water supply to urban and rural communities.

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  • The plant's raw water pumphouse will be situated near the existing 225 MLD plant in Aluva.

  • Upon completion, it is expected to provide a substantial relief to Kochi's chronic water shortage.

  • The project will benefit:

  • Municipalities: Kochi Corporation, Aluva, Thrikkakara, Kalamassery, Eloor, and Maradu.

  • Grama Panchayats: Kumbalam, Kumbalangi, Chellanam, Varappuzha, Cheranalloor, Kadamakkudi, Mulavukad, Elamkunnappuzha, Njarakkal, Nayarambalam, Keezhmad, Edathala, and Choornikkara.

Addressing Immediate Shortages and Future Demands

Beyond the new plant, immediate measures are being taken to mitigate current water shortages.

  • An unused overhead tank with a capacity of approximately 15 lakh litres in Vaduthala will be filled to address water scarcity in the Vaduthala and Perandoor areas.

  • Funding has been allocated through KIIFB for the construction of a replacement storage tank at the Thammanam pump house, addressing the capacity lost due to the previous collapse.

Concerns Regarding Privatization and Project Delays

While the project aims to meet the growing water needs, including those anticipated by government schemes like Jal Jeevan Mission and Amrut, concerns about its execution and potential implications persist.

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  • Trade unions in KWA have voiced opposition, expressing fears of eventual privatization of the water distribution system.

  • The project has been described as being in limbo for a decade, highlighting the extended period of deliberation and execution challenges.

  • Initial phases of the ADB-funded scheme included tendering for the renovation of the drinking water distribution network and seeking a project consultant.

Expert Analysis and Official Statements

The urgency and significance of the project are underscored by various statements and observations from officials and news reports.

"There is no plan for the government other than the proposed 190 MLD project to enhance the water supply to the city. Even now, Kerala Water Authority is struggling to cater to the needs of the city efficiently. As of now, there is a demand-supply gap of 45 MLD in Kochi." – Vinod (implied source from TOI article)

The urgency for this project is linked to the current inability of the Kerala Water Authority to meet existing demands efficiently.

"The collapse of the tank substantially reducing the storage capacity was one of the reasons for the acute water shortage experienced especially in various parts of Kochi Corporation. Nor could it be taken up using disaster management funds due to technical reasons." – Ms. Minimol (implied source from The Hindu article)

This statement clarifies that the collapsed Thammanam tank's issue could not be resolved through disaster relief, necessitating separate funding and project allocation.

Conclusion: A Path Forward Amidst Challenges

The expedited approval of the 190 MLD Aluva water treatment plant marks a significant step towards resolving the long-standing water scarcity in Kochi and its environs. The ADB funding provides a robust financial framework, and planned infrastructure upgrades aim to address both immediate needs and future demand. However, the concerns raised by trade unions about privatization warrant careful consideration and transparent communication as the project progresses. The successful implementation will depend on efficient execution, effective stakeholder engagement, and a clear strategy to ensure equitable and sustained water distribution for the benefit of all residents.

Sources and Context

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why is a new water plant needed in Aluva?
Kochi and nearby areas have a big problem with not having enough drinking water. This new plant will help supply more water.
Q: How much will the new plant supply?
The plant will supply 190 million litres of water every day.
Q: Who is paying for the project?
The Asian Development Bank is giving money to help fund this project.
Q: What areas will get more water?
Kochi city and many towns and villages around it will get more water from this plant.
Q: Are there any worries about this project?
Some groups worry that this might lead to private companies taking over the water supply system.