Kochi Corporation plans water security assessment to strengthen city’s resilience

A water security assessment project is being planned for the Kochi Corporation to strengthen the city’s water resilience.

The multipronged project, being developed by Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Palakkad, will address issues, including water scarcity and pollution, besides focussing on canal rejuvenation, sewage management, and flood mitigation. The project, which will be implemented with technical support from the Kerala Water Authority (KWA), is expected to be completed in six months.

Once completed, the project is expected to provide a comprehensive framework to guide the planning and implementation of water security projects in the city, said Athira P., associate professor, Department of Civil Engineering, IIT Palakkad.

‘Multidimensional assessment’

“Different parts of Kochi face specific issues, be it frequently interrupted water supply, flooding, pollution or an increase in the reporting of water-borne diseases. Water security in a region is assessed based on aspects such as water quality and quantity, water-related disasters and ecological factors. A multidimensional assessment is being planned,” said Ms. Athira.

The findings will be compiled into a dynamic model designed to help administrators, incorporating projections for the coming years. These projections will help identify the interventions required over the next 10 to 15 years, as climate and land-use patterns are expected to change in the city.

“The data will help identify the specific issues affecting different divisions of the Corporation. This will help formulate projects more effectively and identify the interventions required,” said Ms. Athira.

“Such an assessment assumes significance as several parts of the city face challenges such as pollution, water scarcity and saltwater intrusion,” the sources added.