A comprehensive blueprint, known as a Detailed Project Report (DPR), is currently being drafted to bring the long-neglected and polluted Thevara-Perandoor (TP) Canal in Kochi back to life. This ambitious plan for regeneration, restoration, and beautification will predominantly rely on grant funding to ensure its successful execution.
This pivotal decision to streamline the project, originally a formidable ₹1,000-crore proposal, into more manageable segments emerged from a high-level meeting in Delhi. Organized by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the gathering brought together key global funding agencies. Esteemed organizations like Agence Française de Développement (AFD), ICLEI–Local Governments for Sustainability, Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), the World Bank, C40 Cities Climate Leadership Group, and the World Resources Institute were among the participants, signifying a strong international commitment to the canal’s revival.
Kochi Mayor M. Anilkumar highlighted the evolving vision for the project: “While the initial proposal centered on simply rejuvenating and beautifying the TP Canal, the UNEP advocates for a far more holistic regeneration. This involves a crucial shift in public mindset, aiming to return the canal to its pristine, natural condition, teeming with its original endemic flora and fauna, before any beautification efforts begin.” This expanded scope now includes developing a detailed biodiversity action plan, launching extensive public awareness campaigns to combat pollution, and implementing physical safeguards like fencing.
The strategic choice to disaggregate the project into smaller, more manageable parts was driven by practical considerations. Large-scale investments exceeding ₹1,000 crore typically require the Union Cabinet’s explicit approval, and the burden of servicing substantial loans from international agencies could strain the State government’s financial health. Consequently, the focus shifted towards securing grants as the primary funding source, supplemented by smaller, more affordable loans and support from the Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board (KIIFB).
Recognizing the inherent complexities, authorities have also determined that the TP Canal’s regeneration will serve as the culminating phase of a broader rejuvenation effort encompassing six canals across the Ernakulam district. A critical aspect of this final phase will involve the careful rehabilitation of several families currently living along the canal’s banks.
Ahead of this extensive regeneration, the Minor Irrigation department successfully desilted 10.2 km of the canal earlier this year as part of ‘Operation Breakthrough,’ a project valued at ₹9.87 crore. This desilting work was efficiently carried out by dividing the canal into four distinct segments, each managed by a different contractor. Notably, while the Kochi city Corporation traditionally managed such works directly, for this phase, it adopted a primarily supervisory capacity.