Rejuvenation of Killiyaar and Karamana River to cost Rs 1,500cr

Thiruvananthapuram: Rejuvenation of Karamana River and Killiyaar through a series of short-term and long-term measures is expected to cost over Rs 1,500 crore as per the action plan. The action plan is prepared by departments, namely Kerala state pollution control board, Kerala water authority (KWA), irrigation department, and Thiruvananthapuram city corporation for the abatement of pollution of Karamana River and Killiyar.
The plan is prepared based on concept plan approved by the chief secretary. Timelines and budgets have been fixed for various components under the short-term and long-term measures which shall be implemented by respective departments.
KWA has prepared an action plan comprising eight major components for the abatement of Karamana River pollution. It mainly includes prevention of overflow from pumping stations and overflow of sewage into streams and drains. The action plan points out that the sewage treatment plant (STP) was designed to treat 107mld sewage (77wards – 18 blocks). For the balance area (13 blocks), complete design of sewage networks are available with KWA. Out of 13 blocks, works are going on in five. KWA also plans to develop a mobile application for mapping the sewerage network and to prepare a database in GIS platform showing the location of sewer pipelines, manholes etc.
The action plan also pitches works of sewer lines and various other works for revamp of existing sewerage system amounting to Rs 350 crore.
Pollution control board (PCB) has mainly focused on sanitation in its 18 point action plan. It proposes to provide toilets to 320 residences with treatment and disposal system for sewage and sullage. A permanent solution also needs to be arrived at for prevention of overflow through manholes, pipelines and pumping stations. Strict monitoring of waste management in flats, business establishments and markets is another factor PCB insists on ensuring abatement of pollution of water bodies.
During the sanitation survey PCB has cited that the contamination of water bodies is due to disposal of untreated sewage and grey water from the houses near to the Karmana River, Killiyar, Parvathy Puthannaar and to streams in the city. The improper disposal of both biodegradable and non-biodegradable waste into the rivers also results in contamination. Also, the old sewage pipeline passing through the commercial areas, causes the discharge of sewage into the water bodies through the pipelines, manholes and pumping/lift stations.
River pollution can be solved only by curbing flow of sewage into the water bodies and by providing proper sewage, sullage treatment facilities in the houses in river banks, the sanitation survey report notes.
PCB has laid down certain long-term recommendations like connecting sewers to the sewage treatment plant at Muttathara; connecting outlets of latrines on river bank through a network of pipes, which will be connected to the sewage treatment plant at Muttathara; and preparing masons and skilled work force for quality-assured constructions.