If everything goes as planned, there will be enough drinking water supply in the city and suburbs in the near future. In a major development,  the state government has allotted Rs 238.53 crore for the ‘Interim Augmentation of Water Supply Scheme to Kochi City (Part 1-Phase 1)’ project.  The scheme is intended to benefit the residents of Kochi Corporation, adjoining four municipalities and 10 panchayats in Ernakulam district. The scheme is expected to complete by the end of 2016.

“The new project is expected to quench the thirst of many areas where water supply had been short in the past. We are making all efforts to complete the laying of new pipelines in the city and suburbs. Once these are also in place, water shortage will be the thing of past,” Kerala Water Authority (KWA) sources said.

The project has two phases,  first part consists of intake well at Aluva raw water pumping station, treatment plant at Kalamassery, master tank at Kalamassery, connectivity upto Toshiba Junction in Kalamassery and  interconnection with the existing supply to Ernakulam. On implementation,  about 135 million litre per day (mld) water can be supplied additionally to the Kochi Corporation and adjoining areas, thereby improving the water supply level in these areas.

The amount for the plant at Kalamassery was allotted as part of the state’s share under the Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission. The project is estimated to cost Rs 485 crore in total and expected to roll out in three years.

“Upon completion, the Interim Augmentation of Water Supply Scheme will be able to supply 180mld water to the city and premises. This will mainly cater to the demand in most of the northern parts of the city,” sources said.

Earlier, KWA managing director has submitted a Detailed Project Report for the project and based on the project the fund now been allotted. The government has allotted Rs 37.50 cr for procuring 15 acres of land at Kalamassery for setting up the treatment plant there. The cost for setting up the 135 mld treatment plant is estimated at Rs 75.18 cr.