Water Metro to set up cleaner alternative to biotoilets at Kadamakkudy, Paliyamthuruth terminals

Kochi: Kochi Water Metro is stepping up its eco-friendly initiatives ahead of its highly anticipated launch to the popular ecotourism destination of Kadamakkudy. In a bid to ensure zero environmental impact, Kochi Water Metro Ltd (KWML) has initiated measures to make the upcoming Kadamakkudy and Paliyamthuruth terminals fully “green” by installing advanced sequential batch reactor (SBR) sewage treatment plants, instead of the commonly used biotoilets.While most of its terminals rely on standard chemical biotoilets, KMML is opting for a more robust solution in the upcoming routes, expected to mainly cater to tourists.“Areas like Kadamakkudy suffer from a high-water table, making them vulnerable to flooding during heavy monsoon rain and high tides. Traditional biotoilets carry a risk of leaking untreated waste into waterbodies under such extreme weather conditions.

SBR system eliminates this hazard by treating sewage entirely in-house,” KWML chief operating officer Sajan P John told TOI.Unlike anaerobic systems, like standard septic tanks that break down waste without oxygen, an SBR system actively pumps in a continuous air supply to breed aerobic bacteria. This aerobic treatment is incredibly fast, processes larger volumes of waste and ensures that only clean, safe water is expelled.

KMRL has successfully deployed this reliable technology at its busy Vyttila, Fort Kochi and Vypeen terminals.KMRL has officially invited requests for proposal (RFPs) for construction of SBR sewage treatment plants at Kadamakkudy and Paliyamthuruth, besides Willingdon Island.The green initiative extends far beyond waste management. KMRL is planning a massive anti-plastic campaign in partnership with Kadamakkudy Panchayat.

“Water Metro enforces a strict ban on plastics and outside food onboard its vessels. Once the new routes open, the ferry service will launch widespread awareness campaigns and place anti-plastic warning stickers across all passenger boats,” the official said.However, KMRL officials emphasize that local govt cooperation is vital, calling on the panchayat to enforce strict anti-plastic regulations and fines to preserve local ecosystem.

“We are ready to implement measures to preserve the eco-friendly destination. But request authorities to improve infrastructure facilities like roads as a large number of tourists are expected once Water Metro begins services,” said panchayat president M S Antony.Meanwhile, ground preparations are under way to finalize the routes. Officials have identified two workable paths to Kadamakkudy –– one originating from South Chittoor and another operating through Vallarpadam-Vypeen segment.The shortest South Chittoor route faces a hurdle due to the presence of Chinese fishing nets blocking the path.“We have formally engaged fisheries department to address illegal nets, and authorities are expected to issue legal notices to stakeholders shortly to clear the channels. Trial visits are progressing,” the official said.