Two new STPs for Kochi await govt. nod

In four years’ time, Kochi could be looking at an underground sewerage pipeline network system that could offer a better and well-managed sewage treatment system, which could help restore the quality of not just the canals in the city but underground water table too.

The comprehensive sewage treatment system involves the setting up of two sewage treatment plants (STPs) in Kochi, laying of sewage lines of different diameters, construction of over 16,000 manholes, collection wells, and pumping stations, among others. The Kerala Water Authority (KWA) has submitted a revised detailed project report (DPR) for the establishment of the STPs to the government. Once approved, it will set in motion a total overhaul of the present sewage treatment system in the city.

STPs are part of the sewerage network component of the Integrated Urban Regeneration and Water Transport System (IURWTS) project in Kochi. Kochi Metro Rail Limited (KMRL) is the special purpose vehicle (SPV) of the Integrated Urban Regeneration and Water Transport System (IURWTS) project, and KWA is the implementing agency of the sewerage component.

Among the two STPs, one will be set up at Elamkulam, and it will have a capacity of 55 MLD, while the other will be set up in Muttar with a capacity of 50 MLD. Together, the two centralised STPs will have a combined capacity of 105 MLD and cater to regions in divisions 31 to 74. A new plant will be set up for divisions 1 to 30 in the future, KWA sources said.

Apart from STPs, the sewerage component includes sewer networks, sanitation facilities, and solid waste management, among others. Earlier, the government had given its nod for a DPR submitted by KMRL, which proposed the establishment of four STPs at Vennala, Muttar, Perandoor, and Elamkulam with a combined capacity of 77 MLD. The KWA, being the implementing agency, modified this to meet their requirements. It increased the STPs’ capacity and replaced the four STPs with two. The DPR revised by the KWA has been submitted for government approval. 

“The present sewerage system is too small. The capacity of an STP in Kochi is 5 MLD, which is not adequate. Without proper treatment of sewage waste, it enters canals and contaminates waterbodies. This can also be seen near houses that rely on septic tanks. The water table and wells get contaminated. With this project, the whole sewerage system will change, and it will eventually help restore the quality of water in our waterbodies,” said KWA sources.

Incidentally, some of the earlier proposals for setting up STPs in the city had to be dropped following stiff public resistance.