KOCHI: The City Corporation is all set to implement the recommendations of the Water Policy drafted by the SCMS Water Institute. The policy, the first of its kind initiated by a local body in the country, has a series of proposals for redressal of water problems like scarcity, low quality, disruption in supply and to conserve drinking water sources.
A rain water harvesting project, a Kochi Water Information System (the single unit for storing and availing water related data) and preparation of an action plan of the policy will be undertaken in the first phase. “Since the civic body has made budget allocations for the projects, it can be executed soon after the election is over. Regular consultation meetings are being convened with the civic body,” said Dr. Sunny George of SCMS Water Institute.
Rs 1 crore has been earmarked for the rainwater harvesting project while the allocation for the Kochi Water Information System is Rs 10 lakhs. “Though the policy moots short-term and long-term proposals to address water related issues, there are no instant and city-specific solutions. But the water crisis can be effectively addressed through decentralised treatment and supply units in all divisions in the parched areas, identifying alternative sources and minimizing dependence on Kerala Water Authority’s big centralized pump houses,” added Dr. Sunny George.
The survey conducted by the SCMS Water Institute revealed that the city’s water requirement was much higher than the current estimate and the supply from the KWA Aluva plant, the major supplier, to the city areas is only 170 MLD. The city also identified a very high percentage of water thefts, misuse and leakages. More than 40 per cent of the water supplied is flowing unaccounted for.
A complaint monitoring system to resolve leakages in pipeline network, comprehensive data system to ensure quality of potable water supplied by tanker lorries, measures to treat polluted water, water auditing in high-rise apartments and commercial complexes, encouraging rainwater harvesting, well recharging, licensing system for digging wells and conservation of marshy wetlands are some of the other recommendations.
