Detailed Project Report for regeneration of TP canal in Kochi on the anvil

KOCHI

A Detailed Project Report (DPR) is set to be prepared for the regeneration, restoration, and beautification of the polluted Thevara-Perandoor (TP) Canal, which will be implemented primarily using grants.

The decision to break down the original ₹1,000-crore proposal into more feasible, smaller components was made during a meeting of global funding agencies convened at the initiative of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) in Delhi. Representatives from funding bodies such as Agence Française de Développement (AFD), ICLEI–Local Governments for Sustainability, Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), World Bank, C40 Cities Climate Leadership Group, and World Resources Institute took part.

“The original proposal focussed on rejuvenating and beautifying the TP Canal. However, the UNEP envisioned a more holistic approach for regeneration, including bringing about a complete shift in public attitude. The goal is to restore the canal to its original state, complete with endemic flora and fauna, and followed by beautification,” said Mayor M. Anilkumar. This includes preparing a biodiversity action plan, raising public awareness to prevent pollution, installing fencing, and similar measures.

The decision to divide the project into smaller components stemmed from the understanding that projects requiring investments of ₹1,000 crore or more would need approval from the Union Cabinet. Moreover, repaying loans from funding agencies could impact the fiscal stability of the State government. Therefore, it was decided to explore the possibility of grants to support the project, along with affordable smaller loans and assistance from the Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board (KIIFB).

It was also decided that the regeneration of the TP Canal would be undertaken as the final phase of the canal rejuvenation initiative covering six canals in Ernakulam district, considering the complexities involved. A few families residing along the canal will have to be rehabilitated.

Earlier this year, the Minor Irrigation department desilted 10.2 km of the canal under Operation Breakthrough at ₹9.87 crore, dividing the canal into four segments, each assigned to separate contractors. While the Kochi city Corporation previously executed the work directly, this time the civic body has assumed a largely supervisory role.