Kerala to Launch New Water Treatment Plant in Kochi
The Kerala government has announced plans to launch a new 190 million litres per day (MLD) water treatment plant in Aluva. This project is part of the Kerala Urban Water Supply Improvement Project, funded by the Asian Development Bank. The new plant is expected to strengthen the state’s capacity to manage increasing water demands from both urban and rural areas.
Kochi, which depends heavily on four water treatment plants in Aluva, currently receives a total supply of 225 MLD from these plants. However, this supply has proven inadequate in meeting the growing demands of the city. As a result, additional water, accounting for 30% of the total supply, has been provided. Despite these efforts, water shortages have continued to plague Kochi, highlighting the need for a long-term solution. The new treatment plant will feature cutting-edge infrastructure, including an upgraded pump house, advanced water treatment facilities, and elevated storage systems. This enhanced capacity will not only serve Kochi’s urban areas but will also benefit several surrounding municipalities such as Aluva, Eloor, Thrikkakara, Kalamassery, Maradu, and multiple panchayats, including Keezhmadu, Edathala, Choornikkara, and Njarakkal. These areas, which collectively form a significant portion of the Kochi Metropolitan Region, will now have access to a more reliable water supply.
The project aligns with the state government’s broader vision for sustainable water management. In addition to the new treatment plant, the Kerala government is also focusing on speeding up projects under the Jal Jeevan Mission and the Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT). These projects are designed to provide water connections to households in both urban and rural regions, enhancing the quality of life for citizens. A budget of ₹2,511 crore has been allocated for the modernisation of water supply schemes in Kochi and Thiruvananthapuram, ensuring that the infrastructure will meet the needs of a rapidly growing population. These funds will support the construction and upgrading of water treatment plants, pipelines, and storage facilities, all crucial for maintaining a consistent and clean water supply.
Officials emphasise that these improvements will not only meet current water demands but will also provide a future-proof solution for the city’s expanding population. By modernising the infrastructure and increasing water treatment capacity, the Kerala government is ensuring that Kochi remains a sustainable and livable city for years to come. The new water treatment plant in Kochi, along with ongoing projects under the Jal Jeevan Mission and AMRUT, is a step toward ensuring equitable and sustainable access to clean drinking water. The initiatives are expected to transform Kochi’s water supply system and serve as a model for other rapidly growing urban centres in the country.
