Canal rejuvenation under IURWTS likely to ease waterlogging in Kochi

The State government’s move to accord in-principle approval for the implementation of the Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board (KIIFB)-funded Integrated Urban Regeneration and Water Transport System (IURWTS) will benefit six canals in Kochi and is expected to bring a lasting solution to the perennial issue of waterlogging faced by the city.

Edappally canal, Perandoor canal, Chilavannoor canal, Thevara canal, Market canal, and Konthuruthy canal will be rejuvenated under the project. Kochi Metro Rail Limited (KMRL) is the special purpose vehicle for the project. While administrative sanction was accorded for an estimated ₹1,528.27 crore initially, it was revised to ₹3,716.10 crore based on a revised proposal submitted by the KMRL project director. The KIIFB will carry out a comprehensive evaluation of the estimate proposal of KMRL.

The National Board for Wildlife (NBWL) has issued wildlife clearance for the IURWTS, subject to the condition that the sub-canal passing through the Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary shall be taken up for cleaning during the implementation of the project. Accordingly, the government order gave in-principle approval for including the cleaning of the sub-canal passing through the sanctuary as well in the project.

“The implementation of the project will put an end to Kochi’s perennial problems of waterlogging, mosquito menace, and other issues. It will also alter the face of the city in terms of infrastructure, industry, and tourism potential,” said Mayor M. Anilkumar.

According to the revised estimates, ₹532.09 crore has been allocated for canal-oriented development, ₹41.33 crore for the canal-oriented development of Konthuruthy canal, ₹5 crore for the development of Mangalavanam canal, ₹1,386.68 crore for sewage treatment plants and sewer network, and ₹37.05 crore for sanitation and solid waste management. A significant allocation of ₹1,235.70 crore has been made towards land acquisition, which is critical to the project.

Further allocation of ₹28.27 crore has been made for rehabilitation and resettlement, ₹36.47 crore for utility shifting, ₹41.94 crore for specialised works and survey, ₹353.81 crore for establishment charges related to land acquisition, and ₹17.76 crore for project expenses towards capitalisation.