The Kerala Water Authority (KWA) will set up a new tank with a combined capacity of 50 lakh litres to address the drinking water shortage in Kochi following the partial collapse of the 1.35-crore-litre water tank at Thammanam.

The new tank will replace the 35 lakh-litre tank the utility had earlier proposed in place of the destroyed chamber of the Thammanam tank. The newly proposed tank will comprise a Ground Level Reservoir and an Overhead Service Reservoir of with a capacity of 25 lakh litre each.

The estimated cost of the project is around 31 crore. The project has been given a green signal and included in the Asian Development Bank (ADB)’s refurbishment project.

One of the components of the refurbishment project focuses on the renovation of the water treatment plants at Aluva and Maradu. The new tank is being included in this project and is expected to be completed in 9 months.

“The ruptured compartment held around 68 lakh litres of water. There were discussions that the proposed 35 lakh litres tank would not be enough, which is why we have decided on the 50 lakh litre tank,” said a KWA source.

The source added that owing to space constraints, they couldn’t think of constructing a tank with bigger capacity. “With this sump and OH tank, a total capacity of 50 lakh litres of water can be achieved. The new design has been approved and the project has administrative sanction as we are including it in the ADB project. Considering the urgency, the project will be completed on a priority basis,” the source added.

“The new tank will come up at the water utility’s land in Thammanam. With this the water scarcity experienced across different parts of the city due to the partial collapse of the tank will be addressed,” the source added.

Ernakulam MLA T.J. Vinod said that Kochi continues to grapple with a drinking water crisis. “The new tank at Thammanam will bring some respite, but it still will take some time to get commissioned as even the tendering process is yet to be carried out,” said Mr. Vinod.