A sewerage network to cover the IT hub of Kazhakuttam will be a major focus of the city Corporation's much delayed plans for projects under the Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT).
Facing severe fund shortage and delays due to various factors, the Corporation has abandoned its earlier ambitious plans to expand the sewerage network across the city.
For the purpose of classifying coverage of sewerage networks, the 100 wards of the Corporation are divided into 18 blocks. Currently, sewerage network is present only in four blocks out of these 18 blocks, with many of these laid as far back as the 1940s.
“To fill the gaps in sewerage coverage throughout the city, we need funds of at least ₹1,500 crore. We barely have ₹370 crore currently. So we have to focus on certain key areas. Kazhakuttam, where several flats and houses have come up in recent times, there is urgent need for a proper sewerage network. Even areas like Vattiyoorkavu needs to be considered, but with the available funds, we have to prioritise,” said an official.
The Corporation had earlier considered sewerage lines in areas like Attukal - Kalady. But, the plan was later dropped as they could not find space to locate the sewerage pump house. The network, barring a few gaps is complete in the core area of the city. The Althara- Vazhuthacaud stretch is one of the key gaps that the Corporation is planning to address.
In Kazhakuttam, it has found space to locate the pump house. The network will run through the whole of Kazhakuttam, leading to the Muttathara sewage treatment plant. A decentralised sewerage treatment plant of 5 Million Litres per Day (MLD) capacity will be installed in the medical college area.
The State-level Technical Committee has to accord technical sanction for the project. There has been undue delay in the preparation of the estimate.
