Sewerage section of Kerala Water Authority (KWA) plans to connect over 8,000 homes in six divisions of Vaduthala zone of the corporation to a common network in order to handle sewage concerns in the area at a time when water bodies and groundwater are being polluted due to sewage waste. The concept calls for connecting homes, buildings, schools, and other structures to a shared network of pipelines that will transport sewage produced in Vaduthala regions to collecting stations and from there to the projected nine MLD sewage treatment facility (STP) at Perandoor.

Officials from KWA have begun the process of beginning a topographical survey in the area. “The survey will also examine buildings, roads, and public transportation. With us, land is available for collection points. However, the decision will only be taken after taking into account a number of variables, such as the pipeline’s depth and gravity, among others”, according to a KWA sewerage wing official.

After the survey, a comprehensive project report for the sewerage system will be created. The STP is being set up by Kochi Metro Rail Ltd. In the meantime, resistance from the local population is impeding the state government’s efforts to establish STPs to address sewage issues. Allegations have been made that those with personal interests in the matter deceive the public.

Due to public outcry, the Cochin Smart Mission Ltd was forced to abandon a similar project in West Kochi. STP, according to former mayor and councillor of Kochi Corporation KJ Sohan, is urgently needed to alleviate water body pollution, particularly in areas like West Kochi. “Liquid waste is a major health issue as 80% of groundwater is polluted. People in West Kochi already face water shortage as they get water only for a few hours per day. This forces many to use groundwater here,” he said.