Around 80% of the work on the 1.1 MLD sewage treatment plant (STP) being set up at Edakochi for Division 16 has been completed. The project, aimed at scientifically treating sewage generated from around 2,000 households in the division, is expected to be completed by August.

The decentralised sewerage system is being implemented under the Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) project. The non-conventional decentralised sewerage system is being executed at a cost of ₹18.6 crore. The total length of the sewage pipeline being laid within the division is 17.9 km.

“Of this, around 14 km of the network has already been completed. A total of 900 manholes are being constructed as part of the project. We plan to commission it by August, but tidal flooding has posed challenges. Because of this, work could not progress at the intended pace,” a source said.

The system comprises a household-level collection network, a conveyance system, and a treatment unit where wastewater will be treated. Sewage from households will first pass through manhole chambers installed at homes before reaching roadside manhole chambers. From there, it will flow through the pipeline network, which will have manholes at intervals of around 40 metres. These manholes will facilitate inspection and maintenance in case of issues in the network, the source said.

The STP is being set up near Ambedkar Colony in Edakochi on land owned by the Kochi Corporation. According to sources, this is currently the only decentralised sewerage system being implemented in the Corporation limits and is considered crucial for addressing sewage contamination in waterbodies. “Septage often overflows from septic tanks into waterways, causing pollution. A decentralised septage treatment system can help address this issue and prevent contamination of waterbodies,” the source added.