Kochi receives ₹523-crore project approval to resolve drinking water shortage

Kerala's government, under Minister Mons Joseph, has given the green light for a ₹523-crore project aimed at tackling Kochi's drinking water shortages, awaiting final approval from Finance department. This initiative plans to build a treatment facility along Periyar River with a capacity of 190 million liters per day, designed to satisfy the city's water demands through 2050.

BRIC Team

Jun 30, 2026 · 1 min read · 4 views

Kochi receives ₹523-crore project approval to resolve drinking water shortage

Key Takeaways

•The Kerala government has approved a ₹523-crore initiative to tackle Kochi's drinking water shortages, pending final clearance from the Finance department.
•The new treatment facility will provide 190 million liters per day and serve Kochi and surrounding areas until 2050.
•Kochi currently faces a daily water deficit of approximately 50 MLD, despite receiving 225 MLD from the Aluva plant.
•Supply losses have surged to between 40% and 50%, worsening the city's water crisis.
•The existing water system serves around 1.5 lakh domestic connections and nearly 28,000 non-domestic connections, including Kochi Port and hospitals.

Kerala government has approved ₹523-crore plan to tackle Kochi's chronic drinking water issues. Minister Mons Joseph announced Tuesday in Kerala Assembly that project awaits final nod from Finance department.

Responding to MLA T.J. Vinod's call for urgent action,Joseph revealed a 190 million liters per day (MLD) treatment facility is planned. This plant, set on Periyar River banks in Aluva, aims to meet Kochi's water needs through 2050.

Project targets not just Kochi Corporation but also five nearby municipalities and 13 panchayats. Meanwhile,Kerala Water Authority (KWA) is building a 25-lakh-litre storage tank on its land. This aims to fix supply disruptions after a 135 MLD Thammanam plant compartment collapsed. Cost: ₹30 crore .

Joseph said repairs on damaged tank are underway,with temporary fixes to keep water flowing . But Vinod pushed for swift action to secure enough water for homes,businesses,projects like Jal Jeevan Mission.

Kochi faces daily 50 MLD water shortfall, despite getting 225 MLD from Aluva plant,100 MLD from Maradu plant. Only 121.5 MLD and 53.5 MLD, respectively, reach city. Vinod noted supply losses now hit 40%-50%,worsening crisis.

Thammanam tank's age-related decline deepens water scarcity. Current system serves 1.5 lakh domestic,28,000 non-domestic connections — including Kochi Port,Naval HQ, Shipyard,hospitals,schools .

Amid these issues, Joseph said Jal Jeevan Mission is fast-tracked to give every panchayat household a connection. Work on AMRUT scheme to boost Kochi's water distribution is also progressing…but will it be enough?

#Kerala