The project hit harsh weather due to excessive delay in clearing the interventions and weeds from the channels and uncontrolled waste storage in them. File photo
The State Cabinet nodded on Wednesday for the implementation of integrated urban regeneration and the water transport system (IurWTS) in Kochi, aimed at reviving six channels, with a revised estimate of 3,716.10 Crore.
The project was focused on the channels to be caused and found permanent flooding in urban areas during the rainy season, the main minister said, adding that the administrative nod was subject to certain conditions. Kochi Metro Rail Limited (KMRL) will continue as a special purpose for the initiative. The Keral Water Office was appointed an implementation agency for sewerage components. The project financing will be provided through the Keral (KIIFB) Investment Fund Council and the National Directorate for the Protection of the River.
The six main channels in Kochi and its surroundings, which are to be revived as part of the initiative, are Edappaly Canal, Chilavannoor Canal, Thevara-Perrendoor Canal, Thevara Canal, Market Canal and Conuruth Canal. The dump for the revival of these once naval canals increased after the city districts and the main roads recorded serious floods in the monsoons a few years ago.
However, the project hit the harsh weather due to a disproportionate delay in clearing the interventions and weeds from the channels and the uncontrolled ejection of the waste into them. KIIFB has increased the project expenditure from the initial CRORE 1,528 GBP to 3,853 Crore in November 2023.
The KMRL report in February 2020 on the Kochi IurWTS noted that “As in the case of a road network, Kochi’s waterways also have a mostly iron grid formula. The correct maintenance of these waterways could help develop most available areas into waterways to develop an alternative rapid transit system.”
The approval of bidding proceedings
Wednesday’s cabinet cleaned the offer of 22.11 GBP for the construction of water treatment plant (WTP) to improve water supply to two Panchayats in the district of Ernaculam. The water supply project is designed to supply 20 million liters a day (billion) to Karumalloor and Kunnukar Panchayats. Work includes WTP, tank and allied structures.
Published – May 7, 2025 17:29
