Kochi Canal Rejuvenation Project Gains International Support For Restoration
 The Kochi Canal Rejuvenation Project, spearheaded by the Kochi Corporation in collaboration with international agencies such as UNEP and ICLEI South Asia, is advancing steadily with renewed momentum. The initiative, formally launched during a workshop in Delhi earlier this month, prioritises the restoration of the Thevara-Perandoor Canal while aiming to transform Kochi’s historic waterways into sustainable urban assets.
Renovation efforts have already begun on the Pandarachira Canal, a vital waterway in West Kochi, with initial funding of INR 4 crore and additional grants of at least INR 10 crore anticipated. International organisations, including engineering and environmental experts from Bechtel, are expected to provide technical and financial assistance in subsequent phases. Officials noted that the project’s advancement is timely, aiming for visible outcomes before forthcoming electoral timelines.
The five-year plan for the canal network focuses on enhancing water quality, establishing efficient sewage and drainage systems, mitigating flood risks, controlling mosquito-borne diseases, and promoting eco-tourism. Integration with inland water transport is another key objective, designed to improve urban mobility while supporting a greener, more sustainable city infrastructure.The Ministry of Urban Affairs and the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ) have invited the Kochi Corporation to present the project at a funding workshop in Delhi on October 28. This event is expected to attract further international financial and technical support, reinforcing the project’s alignment with global sustainability and climate resilience goals.
By leveraging lessons from previous local waterway management and pollution control initiatives, the project also seeks to build community engagement and long-term environmental stewardship. Experts emphasise that integrating local residents’ insights and international technical expertise will be critical to ensuring the canals’ rejuvenation delivers lasting benefits for the city and its population.Officials have highlighted that a sustainable approach to canal restoration not only addresses environmental concerns but also strengthens Kochi’s strategic urban planning, enhances property values, and stimulates tourism-led economic growth. The project embodies a model of urban development where heritage conservation, ecological balance, and modern infrastructure converge.As Kochi moves forward with this ambitious initiative, urban planners and environmentalists alike view it as a benchmark for city-level sustainable development across India, signalling how strategic investments and international collaboration can rejuvenate critical urban ecosystems.
