According to official estimates, only 28.46 million liters per day (billion) total waste water are processed 157 billion generated in Kochi Corporation and various municipalities in Ernaculam.
Of the 28.46 billion waste water, 28.45 billion is treated through waste water treatment plants within the corporation limits. Of these, an infrastructure for processing of 21.8 billion was established in various facilities.
The total waste water generated below the corporation is 93.17 billion. Up to 81.2 billion wastewater generated within corporation and municipal limits is controlled through hygienic systems on the spot (OSSS), including septic tanks with soaked pits. Of these, 31.9 billion of waste water is managed through the OSSS within the limits of Kochi Corporation.
The report on the solid and liquid waste scenario presented by the government in front of the main bench of the National Green Tribunal said that Kerala had a unique formula of homesteads where individual houses are usually dispersed on land.
A variety of state topography, including abundant watercourses, coastal areas, wetlands, coastal regulatory zones, environmentally sensitive areas, wetland protection and distance criteria, reduced the availability of suitable land for STP. The diversity of the terrain of the state complicated the development of a centralized sewer network, especially in urban areas.
The report mentioned that the stP was designed in Ernacula for the treatment of 110 billion of waste water, while working on STP for treatment for 1.1 billion. The government said that practical difficulties in laying sewerage have led to the adoption of a new strategy for the state.
In order to cover the gaps in the field of waste water management, steps have begun to set up a fecal sludge treatment plant (FSTP) in urban and rural areas. FSTPs are ideal for regions where households primarily rely on the OSSS.
Published – 8 August 2025 20:32
