The ₹523 crore project was approved to deal with water scarcity in Kochi

Image used for representation. | Photo credit: The Hindu

The water resources department has approved the ₹523 crore project as a “permanent solution” to drinking water supply problems in Kochi and is awaiting final administrative sanction from the finance ministry, Water Resources Minister Mons Joseph told a rally in Kerala on Tuesday (June 30).

Responding to a call by TJ Vinod, MLA, who highlighted the acute water shortage in Kochi, Mr. Joseph said that the project envisages construction of a 190 MLD drinking water treatment and storage plant along with a pumping station and a pumping set on the banks of Periyar at Aluva. The project, which will serve the Kochi Corporation, five adjoining municipalities and 13 panchayats, has been planned with a projection of the water consumption pattern up to 2050.

He said the Kerala Water Authority (KWA) was also constructing a 25-lakh-litre water storage tank and sump on its own land as a permanent solution to the water supply disruption following the collapse of one of the storage areas at the 135 MLD Thammanam plant. An estimate of ₹30 crore is ready for the project.

The minister said that steps have been taken to repair the damage to the reservoir and temporarily ensure water supply.

Mr. Vinod called for urgent measures to ensure adequate water supply for domestic and commercial purposes as well as Jal Jeevan Mission projects. He noted that the city is facing a daily water shortage of around 50 MLD based on current demand. Although Kochi receives 225 MLD of water from Aluva water treatment plant, of which 121.5 MLD is supplied to the city, and 100 MLD from Maradu water treatment plant, of which 53.5 MLD is supplied to the city, it continues to face severe water shortage as supply losses have increased to 40-50%, he said.

He also pointed out that the deterioration of the 135 MLD water reservoir department at Thammanam due to age has further aggravated the drinking water shortage. Apart from supplying water to around 1.5 lakh domestic connections and nearly 28,000 non-domestic and industrial connections in Kochi, the system also has to supply major facilities like Kochi Port, Naval Command, Cochin Shipyard, railway stations, hospitals, educational institutions and hotels, Mr. Vinod said in a statement.

The Minister said that the Jal Jeevan Mission is also being accelerated under which all households in the panchayats will be provided with water connection. The AMRUT scheme for water distribution under the Kochi Corporation was also progressing rapidly, he added.

Published – 01 Jul 2026 01:35 IST