The desilting and restoration work on the Chilavannoor Canal, worth ₹8.40 crore, is set to get under way shortly under the Integrated Urban Regeneration and Water Transport System (IURWTS).

The restoration of the Market Canal is also likely to begin shortly. The work has already been tendered and will be executed using ₹28.77 crore allotted by the Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board (KIIFB).

The State Cabinet, in May, gave its nod for implementing the IURWTS in Kochi, aimed at reviving six canals, at a revised estimate of ₹3,716.10 crore. The project is intended to make the canals navigable and provide a lasting solution to flooding in the city during the rainy season. Kochi Metro Rail Limited (KMRL) will continue as the special-purpose vehicle for the initiative, while the Kerala Water Authority (KWA) has been appointed as the implementation agency for the sewerage components. Funding for the project will be ensured through the KIIFB and the National River Conservation Directorate.

Mayor M. Anilkumar said the works launched under the canal rejuvenation programme were making rapid progress. “The Kochi Corporation and KMRL will jointly organise a review meeting of the project, which will also be attended by Industries Minister P. Rajeeve. The main objectives of the project include strengthening the water transport system, landscaping and constructing walkways along the canal banks, removing accumulated silt to improve water quality, and restoring water flow and the aquatic ecosystem,” he added.

The construction of a higher-capacity sewage treatment plant at Elamkulam is set to get under way shortly. The KWA is the executing agency for the project, which is estimated at ₹341.97 crore. “A proposal for the beautification of the Chilavannoor Canal banks — including a walkway and seating arrangements — had been submitted to the KIIFB for approval,” said Mr. Anilkumar.

Runoff from around the Kaloor International Stadium eventually reaches the Chilavannoor Canal. The bridge along Subhash Chandra Bose Road is narrow, and ₹4.71 crore has been allocated for its reconstruction. The work has been re-tendered as the amount quoted in the initial tender was higher than estimated. The construction of Bund Road has been completed at a cost of ₹38.17 crore.

“Works worth around ₹100 crore are likely to be completed this year, and the rest of the project estimated at ₹3,716 crore could be completed in a couple of years,” said Mr. Anilkumar.

“Sewage outlets draining into canals will be completely sealed helping to prevent the accumulation of silt and reducing the need for frequent desilting. Waterlogging will be addressed to a great extent sparing the city from mosquito infestations. Canal tourism projects are also expected to become a reality. Canal rejuvenation is the second biggest project in Kochi after the resolution of the waste management issue at Brahmapuram,” he added.