For providing drinking water in the coastal regions facing water shortage and for having a backup system for providing potable water at times of crisis arising out of natural calamities, Kerala Water Authority is planning to produce drinking water from saline/sea water. Kerala Water Authority has partnered with the Fisheries Department and the National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT) to establish a DS plant in the state’s nine coastal districts. A desalination plant of capacity 1 MLD is proposed near Munambam Harbour in Kochi as a pilot study. It is suggested to employ the most modern technology that is ecologically friendly and uses renewable energy, while also taking into account the panchayats’ drinking water demands, which are now provided by a source that is more than 30 kilometers away.
- Desalination Plant at Munambam – Pallipuram Grama Panchayath (10 MLD)
- Project Overview:
- The proposed desalination plant has a capacity of 10 million liters per day (MLD).
- This capacity suggests that the plant is designed to treat seawater or brackish water to produce 10 million liters of fresh, potable water daily, which is crucial for addressing water shortages in coastal areas.
- Current Status:
- A Detailed Engineering Report (DER) has been submitted. The DER usually outlines the technical, operational, and financial aspects of the plant, providing a comprehensive roadmap for execution.
- A letter has been sent to the Ernakulam District Collector, requesting essential land documents, including a survey sketch. These documents are crucial for finalizing the project site, ensuring that the land is available for construction, and obtaining necessary approvals.
- Significance:
- Munambam is a coastal region that often faces water scarcity, particularly during dry seasons. The desalination plant will play a pivotal role in providing a sustainable and reliable source of fresh water to meet the demands of the local population.
- It also marks a step toward reducing the dependency on traditional water sources, such as rivers and groundwater, which are becoming increasingly stressed due to overuse and pollution.
- Desalination Plant at Kasaragod (1 MLD)
- Project Overview:
- The proposed plant in Manjeshwar Grama Panchayath has a smaller capacity of 1 million liters per day (MLD), likely being a pilot project.
- Pilot projects are generally initiated on a smaller scale to test the technology and processes in real-world conditions before scaling them up to larger operations.
- Technical Collaboration:
- The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research – Central Salt & Marine Chemicals Research Institute (CSIR – CSMCRI) has been selected to establish the plant. CSMCRI is a premier research institution in India, known for its expertise in salt and marine chemicals, and has extensive experience in desalination technologies.
- This partnership indicates that advanced technology and research will be applied to ensure the efficiency and sustainability of the desalination process.
- Status:
- The Kerala Water Authority (KWA) has already submitted all necessary land documents, including the location sketch. This is a critical step for site selection and project approval.
- A Detailed Project Report (DPR) is currently being prepared by CSIR – CSMCRI. The DPR will provide a detailed design of the plant, technical specifications, and cost estimates, and it will outline the implementation plan.
- Significance:
- Kasaragod, particularly the Manjeshwar area, also experiences seasonal water shortages, and this pilot project can demonstrate the viability of desalination technology in the region.
- If successful, this pilot project could pave the way for larger-scale desalination plants in the future, contributing to long-term water security for the region.
- It also showcases Kerala’s commitment to adopting scientific solutions to combat water scarcity in a sustainable manner.
Photo showing proposed site for pilot Desalination plant at Munambam Kochi
കുടിവെള്ള വിതരണത്തിനും മലിനജല സേവനങ്ങൾക്കുമുള്ള കേരളത്തിന്റെ നോഡൽ ഏജൻസി