Kerala Water Authority (KWA)’s comprehensive sewage treatment system planned for Kochi Corporation is awaiting clearance from the new government.

The mega project, a major component of the Integrated Urban Regeneration and Water Transport System’s (IURWTS) canal rejuvenation project, involves setting up two high-capacity Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs). The revised project is currently awaiting administrative sanction and financial approval.

The two STPs, with a combined capacity of 105 MLD, have been designed keeping in mind the projected population requirements for 2050, according to KWA sources. Along with Kochi Corporation, the sewage scheme will also cater to neighbouring local bodies, including Kalamassery, Thripunithura, and Thrikkakara municipalities.

“The STPs are a major component of the canal rejuvenation project. It was found that these canals were highly polluted, and if they continued to remain in this state, it would pose a major environmental and health concern. In order to rejuvenate the canals, it is necessary to address the sewage inflow, which includes grey water and septage, and a comprehensive sewage network is the only solution,” said a KWA source. The official added that illegal dumping of sewage into canals could be prevented by setting up a sewerage network in the city.

“Sewage generation for the entire Kochi Corporation and parts of Kalamassery and Thrikkakara will be nearly 140 MLD. Of this, less than 5% is treated properly. Nearly 70% to 80% of the septage is discharged into canals. It is therefore crucial to develop a sewerage system,” the official added.

The Edappally Canal (11.23 km), Thevara-Perandoor Canal (11.15 km), Chilavanoor Canal (9.88 km), Thevara Canal (1.405 km), and Market Canal (0.66 km) are included in the project.

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 on a three-acre plot acquired by Kochi Metro Rail Limited (KMRL) and will have an installed capacity of 50 MLD.

The project, which was accorded administrative sanction in May last year, had to be resubmitted after the project estimate was revised. The project estimate was revised to ₹1,700 crore from ₹1,386 crore.

KMRL is the special purpose vehicle (SPV) of the IURWTS project, and KWA is the implementing agency of the sewerage component. Out of the 759 km envisaged under the Kochi Sewerage Master Plan, 478 km of sewerage network is included in the sewerage scheme under the IURWTS project.

About 73% of the population in Kochi Municipal Corporation is expected to benefit from the project, while 11% in Kalamassery municipality, 15% in Thrikkakara municipality, and 1% in Thripunithura municipality are also expected to benefit.