The comprehensive sewage treatment project proposed under the Integrated Urban Regeneration and Water Transport System (IURWTS) in Kochi is expected to get a fillip after a recent visit by a team of experts appointed by the central government. The team of experts visited the sites of the proposed Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs) and the underground sewerage pipeline network a few days ago.

It is learnt that the team has noted that all the city canals were highly polluted, with blackish water and an obnoxious odour,” a Kerala Water Authority (KWA) source said.

“The living conditions are highly challenging with the current state of pollution. We urgently need to renovate and clean the canals. Unless we provide an underground sewerage pipeline that manages the sewage generated from households and commercial establishments, we cannot clean the canals,” said the official.

The project has been awaiting administrative sanction and financial approval from the State Government for months now.

The five-member team also visited some of the polluted canals and localities in the city that lacked proper sewage management systems. “For instance, some households in Panampilly Nagar lack proper sewerage management systems. While most households have septic tanks, overflow and discharge from these tanks find their way into the canals. Further, tidal variations often cause backflow from the canals into houses, posing a serious concern. Moreover, once the project is implemented, the canals can be cleaned and made navigable,” said the official.

Earlier, the KWA had submitted the DPR to the Central government for funds. As this is a joint-funded project, the Centre will provide a portion of the funding, while the remaining amount will have to be borne by the State government through the Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board (KIIFB).

Even as the KIIFB undergoes restructuring, it is not expected to affect the project, as it remains on the high-priority list. “Since it is a sanitation project, it has been given a high priority as it requires immediate attention,” said the official.

The project managed by Kochi Metro Rail Ltd. aims to build multiple sewage treatment plants to stop canal pollution and has been awaiting financial sanction from the State Government for some time now. The project, which was accorded administrative sanction in May last year, had to be resubmitted after the project estimate was revised from ₹1,386 crore to ₹1,700 crore.

Along with Kochi Corporation, the sewage scheme will also cater to neighbouring local bodies, including Kalamassery, Thripunithura, and Thrikkakara municipalities. Of the two STPs, one will be set up at Elamkulam on KWA’s 13-acre land and will have a capacity of 55 MLD. The other will be set up at Muttar and will have an installed capacity of 50 MLD.

Published - July 26, 2026 05:22 pm IST