Kochi Launches Major Canal Rejuvenation Project with UNEP Support
Kochi is set to witness a transformative waterway revival as the Kochi Corporation, in collaboration with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and ICLEI Local Governments for Sustainability announced a comprehensive canal rejuvenation initiative.
The project, launched following a high-level workshop in Delhi, aims to integrate environmental sustainability with urban development, emphasising community participation, biodiversity, and flood mitigation. Initial efforts focus on the Pandarachira Canal, with plans to extend to other key waterways across Fort Kochi and Palluruthy.The project seeks to revitalise the city’s neglected canals through a combination of clean water initiatives, sewage management, and landscape enhancement. Experts from UNEP highlighted the importance of community involvement in shaping the project’s vision, including educational competitions and awareness campaigns to foster public ownership of canal ecosystems. Additionally, a biodiversity action plan is under development to ensure ecological integrity while enhancing the city’s aesthetic appeal.
Funding and technical oversight form a critical pillar of the initiative. A detailed project report (DPR) for Pandarachira Canal has been funded with Rs 4 crore, and preliminary discussions indicate potential grants of at least Rs 10 crore for further phases. Encouraged by the early progress, funding agencies have expressed interest in scaling the project to include canals such as the Rameswaram Boundary Canal. Engineering firm Bechtel has been roped in to manage upcoming phases, focusing on environmental engineering and sustainable urban water management, prior to electoral timelines.
Officials from the Kochi Corporation emphasised the multifaceted nature of the project. Beyond infrastructure, the rejuvenation plan incorporates flood prevention strategies, mosquito control measures, and the development of inland water transport corridors. Experts underline that these measures will collectively improve public health, enhance tourism prospects, and contribute to climate-resilient urban planning.The Ministry of Urban Affairs and the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ) have invited the Kochi Corporation to present the initiative at an upcoming funding workshop in Delhi on October 28, reflecting international recognition of the city’s sustainable urban development efforts.With long-term objectives spanning the next five years, the Kochi canal rejuvenation initiative exemplifies the city’s commitment to eco-friendly urban transformation. By combining infrastructural upgrades with participatory governance, Kochi aspires to become a model of sustainable urban waterway management, balancing environmental stewardship with socio-economic development.
