Good news for Kochi residents! The Kerala Water Authority (KWA) is on the verge of inviting bids for a significant new water treatment facility in Aluva, a project poised to be a game-changer for the region’s drinking water supply. Officials confirm that tenders for the 190-million litres per day (MLD) capacity plant will be floated within the next two months, marking a crucial step towards resolving Kochi’s long-standing water crisis.
This cutting-edge plant is not just a temporary fix; it’s designed with an eye on the future, aiming to comfortably meet the projected water demands of the population all the way to 2050. The ambitious initiative carries a plan outlay of ₹523 crores and is receiving vital financial backing from the Asian Development Bank (ADB).
The new 190-MLD facility will be strategically located within the existing KWA compound in Aluva, approximately 200 meters from the current operational plants. Once the contract is awarded, the construction and commissioning are expected to wrap up within an impressive 15 months. Following completion, the selected company will also be responsible for the plant’s operation and maintenance for a period of five years, ensuring its smooth functioning. Water for this vital new source will be drawn from the Periyar River.
Currently, the Kochi Corporation relies on four water treatment plants in Aluva for its water needs. However, these facilities, with the first established in 1965 and the second now 50 years old, have an actual combined production capacity of 225 MLD. Coupled with an additional 100-MLD plant in Maradu, the total supply struggles to keep pace. With the Corporation alone facing a demand of 260 MLD, a significant gap of 49 MLD exists, leaving Kochi and its adjacent panchayats frequently grappling with water scarcity. Experts predict this deficit could expand to 80 MLD by 2050, underscoring the urgency and foresight behind this new plant’s design, which accounts for these future population demands.
Upon its successful implementation, the KWA plans to channel the additional water supply from this new plant to the Kochi Corporation, 13 surrounding panchayats, and five key municipalities, promising a more reliable and abundant water future for a vast number of citizens.