The Hindu 07.01.2010
KWA to introduce online payment
Staff Reporter
| Scheme to boost water supply in Kochi on the anvil |
The Minister has called a meeting
on February 2 to discuss the water supply needs
of Kochi.
KOCHI: As part of the modernisation plans of Kerala Water Authority, online system for payment of water charges would be introduced by 2011. The pilot project for the same would begin in Thiruvananthapuram district in April.
N. K. Premachandran, Minister for Water Resources, said this at the inauguration of the Water Adalat held here for the district.
The department is on modernisation drive by introducing Information Technology services in its functioning.
This would enable the department to have a strong system to redress consumer grievances too.
The Minister said that strengthening the water supply in Kochi would be taken on a priority basis.
Two projects
Two major water supply strengthening projects of 280 mld water treatment plant at Kalamassery for water from the Periyar and 100 mld treatment plant at Nettoor from the Muvattupuzha river would help build up the total capacity of water supply to over 600 mld of water.
With the existing supply at 250 mld, much below the demand of over 300 mld, the new projects would take care of the water supply needs of Kochi up to 2040, said Mr. Premachandran.
These projects are part of the HUDCO water supply augmentation plans.
Tendering process for the second phase of the project at Nettoor is already over and construction would begin soon by February.
The Choondi project had managed to bring about relief to Thripunithura and nearby areas, but these measures are not enough to solve the problems of water shortage in a growing city, he said.
The Minister has also called for a meeting of the people’s representatives of the district on February 2 to discuss the water supply needs of Kochi.
