Kochi: The Kerala Water Authority (KWA) has started measures to evict encroachments on Pipeline Road to lay the pipeline network to construct the 190 million litres per day (MLD) water treatment plant at Aluva. The pipeline along the 20km-long road from Aluva to Kadavanthra is key in providing a smooth supply of drinking water to Kochi city and suburbs.The Pipeline Road has pipes with a diameter of 900mm, 1,050mm and 1,200mm to carry water from the current 225 MLD water treatment at Aluva.However, to cater to the growing demand for drinking water from several places in the district, especially in Kochi, the 190 MLD plant is proposed.“Even a minor leak or burst in these pipelines will affect the supply of drinking water to Kochi city and neighbouring municipalities. Cross barriers to prevent heavy vehicles from passing through the road have been erected at various points. While conducting an inspection along the road, we noticed that there are a lot of encroachments,” a senior official with KWA said.“We have already started serving legal notices to those who encroached upon the road to move out. Several petty shops and temporary constructions could be found on the roadside. Moreover, gardens, which might be grown by residents in the area, could be seen on several stretches of the road. So, we requested the people to remove the gardens, shops, etc within seven days. Otherwise, we will have to initiate legal action against the encroachers,” he said.As per KWA’s plan, the laying of new pipes will begin next year. The state govt has already given administrative sanction for the 190 MLD plant. Once the govt gives technical sanctions, the KWA can issue tenders seeking contractors.
