In a significant development for Kochi's industrial infrastructure, the Kerala Industrial Infrastructure Development Corporation (Kinfra) is preparing to restart the long-delayed construction of a proposed water treatment plant in Aluva. The project, which has faced multiple hurdles, is now awaiting a crucial green light from the Public Works Department (PWD) for its pipe-laying phase.
Project History and Past Hurdles
Kinfra had initially revived work on this project three years ago, following fresh government approval. However, progress was abruptly halted due to strong protests from a local-level action council. The protesters raised a critical concern, alleging that initiating a new water supply project on the banks of the Periyar River for industrial use would exacerbate the existing water scarcity issues in the city. Their core argument was that the river simply did not have enough water to support such an additional draw.
Studies and Solutions to Water Concerns
In response to the protests, the water resources department conducted a detailed study of the Periyar River's capacity. The findings indicated that, even after meeting the demands of the water authority and the irrigation department, there would be approximately 1,043 million litres (ml) of water available for Kinfra's project. Despite this, the major irrigation department raised a counterpoint, highlighting that the river's water-carrying capacity had seen a sharp decline following the devastating floods of 2018.
To permanently resolve the water availability dispute, authorities have decided on a constructive solution. A new cross regulator will be constructed at Ammanathupallam. A Kinfra official expressed optimism, stating, "With the construction of a regulator in Ammanathupallam, the issue of the water shortage would be resolved permanently. So, we are hopeful that there would not be any more protests in the region."
Path Forward and Official Statement
Currently, the immediate next step lies with the PWD. Kinfra authorities have formally approached the department, seeking the necessary permission to commence the essential pipe-laying works for the plant. The official added, "We are hopeful that work can be resumed once the permission is received from PWD." This move signals Kinfra's renewed commitment to completing the project, which is seen as vital for supporting industrial growth in the region, provided the water sustainability concerns are adequately mitigated through the new infrastructure at Ammanathupallam.
