Kochi’s storm water drainage network will be mapped using GIS as per AMRUT scheme

image to represent | Photo credit: J ALLEN EGENUSE

The stormwater drainage network of Kochi Corporation in Kerala will be mapped using Geographical Information System (GIS) technology under the Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) to identify and correct bottlenecks that cause flooding in the city.

AMRUT Mission Director signed a contract with Uralungal Labor Contract Co-operative Society Ltd on 28 February 2026. (ULCCS) to execute the project estimated at ₹1.18 crore. The project is implemented in all six corporations. While work has started at other locations, it is yet to start in Kochi due to delays in sanctioning a 20% advance payment of ₹23.67 lakh of the total project cost.

The deposit granted by the mayor was submitted for approval at the next council meeting.

ULCCS is confident that it will complete the mapping within two months of starting work. “The mapping will be done using four-device Differential GPS technology and will rely on multiple satellite images to ensure sub-metre spatial accuracy. This will be cross-referenced with inputs from the Continuously Operating Reference Station (CORS) maintained in the state. The rainwater map will be made available on an online platform that will facilitate its extrapolation to the Kochi city map,” ULCCS sources said.

Basic data

The project is considered critical to identify stormwater drainage lines in the city and blocks that lead to flooding. Since Kochi is an unplanned city, this is considered the basic data required to correct the problems caused by the unscientific construction of sewers. Such data are also needed for the construction of new downpipes connected to the existing network.

“At many places, stormwater drains have been encroached by buildings, disrupting the flow. In several stretches, drains have also been constructed against the natural slope, preventing smooth discharge of water into the sea. GIS mapping will help identify all such problems and help the company take corrective action,” the sources added.

Published – 19 May 2026 14:48 IST