Kerala Industrial Infrastructure Development Corporation (Kinfra) is set to resume work on the contentious water supply project along the banks of the Periyar river, despite facing significant opposition from local communities and political groups. The project, aimed at addressing water needs for industrial purposes, had earlier been halted due to vehement protests led by local action councils and supported by opposition parties like the UDF.
Initially commenced in February this year, the project faced backlash over concerns that it could exacerbate water scarcity in Kochi, particularly during peak summer months. Social organizations argued that diverting water from the Periyar could strain the river’s already diminished resources, highlighted since the devastating floods of 2018.
Kinfra authorities, however, received governmental clearance to restart the long-pending project, which includes laying pipelines and constructing intake wells along the Periyar’s banks. A Kinfra official expressed optimism about the project’s progress, noting ongoing works on the intake well and plans to resume pipe laying soon.
The project’s feasibility was scrutinized by the Water Resources Department, which conducted a study confirming sufficient water availability in the Periyar after meeting the demands of the Kerala Water Authority and irrigation needs. Despite these assurances, objections from the Major Irrigation Department raised concerns about the river’s diminished carrying capacity post-2018 floods, advocating for additional regulatory measures to maintain minimum water levels.
Amidst ongoing debates, the opposition-led by the United Democratic Front (UDF) continues to oppose the project vehemently. MP Hibi Eden reiterated concerns over prioritizing industrial over residential water needs, emphasizing the necessity of focusing on drinking water projects for city residents.
The impending meeting convened by the Chief Minister aims to address these contentious issues, seeking to balance industrial development aspirations with environmental and community concerns. The local-level action council, predominantly backed by Congress workers, remains committed to resisting the project, underscoring a broader socio-political divide over developmental priorities in Kerala.
As the project progresses amidst persistent protests and political scrutiny, stakeholders anticipate further deliberations and potential regulatory adjustments to mitigate environmental impacts and address public apprehensions effectively.
