Pipeline for Edakochi STP to be laid soon

Project hanging fire for last two years after public protest; 20kmlong network of pipelines being developed to bring wastewater to plant site

The laying of pipelines for the ₹18.6crore sewage treatment plant (STP) for the Edakochi South Division of the Kochi Corporation will begin shortly.

The project had been hanging fire for the last two years after widespread public protest. Even though the Corporation had launched the project in 2021, it was greeted with stiff public resistance. The agitators had demanded that the plant should not be installed in the region. It was the second STP project in West Kochi that was stalled following public protest.

Earlier, a ₹166crore plant, which was proposed to cater to Divisions 1 to 5 of the Corporation, had to be dropped. Cochin Smart Mission Limited (CSML) had proposed the mega plant with an installed capacity of 6.5millionlitreperday on a 45cent holding near the Kalvathy canal.

Talks held

However, concerted efforts and negotiations led by the Mayor and other civic authorities helped in creating an atmosphere conducive to the establishment of the plant in Edakochi South, said those associated with the project.

The project will see a 20kmlong network of pipelines being developed to bring wastewater and overflow from septic tanks of households to the plant site. Pipes required for covering half the length of the network have been supplied. The plant will process 11 lakh litres of wastewater a day, officials said.

Around 150 manholes have been cast for the project, which will be connected to the network of pipes. Civil works for the treatment plant have been completed. Funds from the Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (Amrut) scheme will be used for the project. The authorities have so far utilised around ₹2 crore for the project.