Kerala's Rs 176-Crore Water Project Stalled Over Power, Distribution Delays
A major drinking water initiative in Kerala, valued at Rs 176 crore and aimed at bolstering supply in Attingal's rapidly growing pre-urban belt, has hit significant roadblocks. The project, located at Kuttimoodu, is currently stalled due to unresolved electrification issues and sluggish progress in distribution network development.
Electrification Hurdles Delay Commissioning
The treatment plant at Kuttimoodu is largely complete, but its commissioning has been postponed because electricity for the essential pumping system remains unsecured. Officials have clarified that the project cannot advance until a mandatory inspection is conducted by the Electrical Inspectorate.
Sources within the Kerala Water Authority's Attingal division report that electrification work for the transformer installed at the well in Anakutty is currently underway and is anticipated to be finished in the coming weeks. Following this completion, the installation must undergo inspection and certification by the Electrical Inspectorate.
Subsequently, the contractor will need to submit a demand application to the Kerala State Electricity Board through its Vamanapuram section to energize the well and the treatment plant under the Kallara section. Although electrification at the treatment plant itself has been completed, the absence of power supply to the pumping system continues to hinder operational readiness.
Distribution Works Progress Slowly
Officials have indicated that even after power connectivity is achieved, full-scale water supply will not commence immediately. Works under the Jal Jeevan Mission, including the laying of PVC ductile iron pipelines to connect overhead service reservoirs to residential areas, are still in progress and are expected to require at least another month. Consequently, only partial commissioning is likely during the initial phase.
KWA sources have noted that distribution work has slowed in recent months due to funding constraints. "Though work has begun, the pace has been slow as distribution channels to residential areas are still being established," an official associated with the project stated.
Project Background and Impact
The project was conceived in 2022 under the Jal Jeevan Mission and the Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board. Funding allocations include Rs 87 crore from KIIFB and Rs 89.17 crore from JJM. Once operational, it is expected to address the growing drinking water demand in Pulimath, Nagaroor, and Karavara, while also alleviating pressure on existing supply systems in nearby areas.
Contract procedures began in 2022, with physical work commencing in 2023. The plant is designed to have a capacity to treat and distribute 18 crore litres of water per day, representing a significant boost to local water infrastructure.
The delays underscore the challenges in implementing large-scale infrastructure projects, particularly when dependent on multiple agencies and funding streams. Residents in the affected areas continue to await the enhanced water supply promised by this critical initiative.
