Sewage to get better treatment

KOCHI: The chances of  Kochi getting a better sewerage treatment system has brightened with the Corporation deciding to speed up the proceedings to implement the project for the construction of a sewerage treatment plant at Mundamveli. The project was at a standstill following the Kerala Coastal Zone Management Authority’s order to stop the work based on  reports that mangroves in the ecologically-sensitive area were axed for construction purpose. But, later the Union Ministry for Environment and Forests gave nod to the project after finding  that the Corporation had followed all norms. Considering the protests raised by some of the residents in the area, the civic body has decided to organise a public hearing on Friday at the Kochi Corporation Council hall. If the authorities succeed in addressing the grievances and complaints of the residents, then the chances of the project becoming a reality will be bright.“A sewage treatment plant is the need of the hour for Kochi. It will help in treating the waste from domestic, commercial and industrial sources and removing materials that damage water quality and compromise public health and safety when discharged into water receiving systems,” said Kochi Corporation Town Planning Committee chairman K J Sohan.He said the tendering process for the proposed plant, that will be constructed  utilising the funds under JawaharLal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM) scheme had already been completed. “The Corporation even started the land filling at the site. But later it got stuck in legal hurdles,” he added.As per the original plan, the plant was estimated to cost Rs 74.81 crore. It was the GCDA that handed over five acres of land owned by it at Mundamveli to the Corporation to build the plant.  “Once built, the treatment plant will help in the treatment of sewerage from 15 divisions in West Kochi. A majority of these places are reeling under mosquito menace and unhygienic conditions owing to the absence of facilities to treat the sewerage waste. Hence the construction of the plant will be a blessing to the wards,” he said.Nearly 10 new pump houses are required for the implementation of the  project. The Corporation has already completed land acquisition for the pumping stations.