Media reports indicate that the Kochi Corporation may include the project of revitalising arterial canals in the city under the JNNURM phase-I and seek additional funding for the project.
The project involves reconstruction of boundary walls and thereby protect the canals. A majority of the boundary walls of the arterial canals is in a dilapidated state.
It is important to protect canals which constantly meet with tidal effects in a coastal city like Kochi. The embankment of the backwaters is also a part of the project, Kochi corporation Town Planning Committee Chairman KJ Sohan has reportedly said.
Besides the canal project, the corporation may seek additional funds for projects like the construction of a new Rail Overbridge at Vathuruthy.
The state government would ask Kerala Roads and Bridges Development Corporation to construct the overbridge. Land acquisition is not required for the RoB and the civic body has already submitted the proposal to the Navy for clearance.
Besides, the corporation may seek additional funds for water pipeline projects, septage treatment projects etc.
Only 5 per cent comes under sewerage system and the Corporation will include the proposal for setting up a septage treatment plant on the four acre of land handed over by the Cochin Port.