Aluva Water Project: Monsoon Delays and Public Pushback

The Kerala Infrastructure Development Corporation’s (KINFRA) proposed drinking water project in Aluva is set to face further delays. Despite a recent meeting chaired by the Chief Minister approving its continuation, authorities have clarified that no substantial progress will occur until after the monsoon season.

Originally approved by the government, the project resumed pipe-laying work in April 2022 but was soon halted due to strong opposition from local action councils and social organizations. Protesters argued that the Periyar River does not have sufficient capacity to support the industrial-scale water project, warning it could worsen existing water shortages.

Although a study by the Water Resources Department concluded that 1,043 million litres of water would still be available in the Periyar after fulfilling current Kerala Water Authority (KWA) demands, attention has shifted toward a larger 190 MLD KWA project now under active government consideration. KINFRA officials voiced frustration, noting that persistent public resistance and shifting policy priorities have again stalled the project, with discussions unlikely to resume for several months.

News by Rahul Yelligetti.