Aruvikkara Dam Desiltation Pushed to 2026

The desiltation of the Aruvikkara dam reservoir in Thiruvananthapuram has been granted an extended completion deadline, now set for the end of 2026.

Originally launched in November 2024 with a one-year target, the project aims to remove over 10.24 lakh cubic metres of accumulated silt, sand, and clay—restoring approximately one million cubic metres of lost storage capacity. Given the dam’s critical role in supplying drinking water to Thiruvananthapuram city, the Water Resources Department (WRD) is proceeding in a phased and cautious manner to ensure uninterrupted supply.

Water Resources Minister Roshy Augustine confirmed the revised timeline in the State Legislative Assembly. The Kerala Irrigation Infrastructure Development Corporation (KIIDC) is implementing the project.

Constructed between 1928 and 1933 across the Karamana River, the Aruvikkara dam has experienced a 43% reduction in storage capacity over the past 37 years due to silt accumulation. The desiltation effort is considered vital to meet the growing water needs of the capital and surrounding areas.

News by Rahul Yelligetti.