The Kerala Water Authority (KWA) is close to getting government approval for a new 190-million litres per day (MLD) water treatment plant. Funded by the Asian Development Bank (ADB), this ₹523-crore project will serve Kochi Corporation, five municipalities, and 13 grama panchayats including Aluva, Thrikkakara, Kalamassery, Eloor, Maradu and others. The plant aims to meet the projected water demand up to 2050. Currently, four treatment plants at Aluva produce a total of 225 MLD, plus a 100-MLD plant at Maradu. The new plant will add needed capacity as demand is expected to reach 478 MLD by 2050. The plant will use advanced technology like a supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) system with sensors for precise monitoring and valve control. It will feature dual-media filtration, double clarification with sludge blanket and plate settlers, and solar-powered sensors. Built at a higher elevation near existing plants at Aluva on 1.57 hectares, it is designed to resist floods and enable efficient management. Construction is planned to finish within 15 months. KWA sources noted, “The plant has been designed to move beyond conventional water treatment methodologies.” The proposal was paused due to local elections but is expected to move quickly now.