Clean Water for All, Everywhere
Roshy Augustine
Minister for Water Resource
Kerala’s water sector is undergoing a remarkable transformation It ensures clean, sustainable water access for all, everywhere
The Kerala Water Resources Department is committed to ensure universal access to safe drinking water through environmentally sustainable and high-efficiency projects. As the Jal Jeevan Mission marks its fourth year in Kerala, over 55 per cent of rural households now have drinking water connections. Of the total 69.92 lakh rural homes to be given drinking water connection, 38.37 lakh households (as of March 2025) have received connections. This marks significant progress from April 2020 when only 17.49 lakh rural homes had access to drinking water, with the number more than doubling to 38 lakh households by January 2025. As of today, 115 panchayats across Kerala have achieved 100 per cent drinking water availability, along with nine legislative constituencies reaching complete coverage.
Strengthening Urban Drinking Water Infrastructure Under the AMRUT 1.0 project, an amount of Rs 1,376.62 crore was sanctioned for 206 drinking water supply projects across nine cities, with 184 projects worth Rs 1,081 crore already completed. With the launch of AMRUT 2.0, the state got Rs 1,674.80 crore for 157 drinking water projects and Rs 457.80 crore for 14 sewerage projects. Thirty-eight of these projects have been completed. In the third phase, an amount of Rs 446.68 crore has been allocated for 61 drinking water projects. To enhance water supply in major cities, the government sanctioned 77 projects for Rs 5,399.608 crore with financial assistance from the Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board (KIIFB). T his includes Rs 4,969.375 crore for 66 water supply projects and Rs 430.233 crore for pipeline replacement under 11 circles. So far, 26 drinking water projects worth Rs 894.45 crore have been completed. All these initiatives have led to increased clean water production by 228.5 MLD, benefiting over 30.65 lakh people. Out of 121 pipeline replacement projects, 51 have been successfully executed at a cost of Rs 214.86 crore. Since 2021, the government has approved 102 urban water supply projects worth Rs 140.87 crore, with 25 projects worth Rs 12.77 crore already completed.
India’s First Water Budget
Kerala made history by becoming the first state in India to adopt a water budget, setting a new standard for sustainable water management. As part of this groundbreaking initiative, 1,013 local self-government institutions have formulated comprehensive water resource master plans to ensure efficient use and conservation of water. Water budgeting was systematically formed for 15 blocks and 94 gram panchayats across the state under the Navakeralam Karma Padhathi.
Irrigation Projects to Boost Water Security
Kerala is making rapid strides in irrigation development, with multiple projects advancing across different phases. Key initiatives include the Piravom Branch Canal, with a Rs 1.60 crore Detailed Project Report (DPR) ready for completion, and the Karikkode Distributor Canal, where a Rs 34.9 crore DPR has been finalised. Several check dams and bridges are also in progress, including those on the Palkulam Stream (Vazhathopp Panchayat), Chinnar River and Maniyanir Kadavu (Melattur, Velliyar River), which all reinforce water conservation efforts. Other works in progress include the construction of crossbar cum causeway at Periyar River (near Cheruthoni Old Bridge), Lock cum Bridge at Veliancode (Ponnani Taluk) and revival of Kootayi Regulator cum Bridge. Micro-irrigation and lift irrigation projects are also gaining momentum, with the Dasanakkara Micro Irrigation Project in the tendering stage and the New Pokkali Lift Irrigation Project in Moorkanad Grama Panchayat set for implementation. Apart from this, 66 lift irrigation projects are being developed across Kozhikode, Malappuram, Wayanad, Kannur and Kasaragod to improve water distribution. One of the most ambitious projects is the Moolathara Right Bank Canal Extension in Palakkad, which got sanction from the Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board (KIIFB). In the first phase, the stretch from Korayar to Varattayar is covered. Once completed, this will provide water security for 20,440 hectares of rain-shadow regions in Palakkad. As of now, 66 per cent of the project has been completed
Revolutionising Irrigation: Community-Driven Micro Irrigation Projects
Kerala is leading the way in sustainable water management through a network of community-based micro-irrigation projects. Under the Kerala Irrigation Infrastructure Development Corporation (KIIDC), several projects have already been successfully completed. In Palakkad, key irrigation systems in Karadippara (Rs 3.10 crore), Moongilmada (Rs 6.79 crore), Valiyeri (Rs 3.88 crore), Navithankulam (Rs 3 crore) and Kunnamkattupathi (Rs 5.21 crore) have been completed. Meanwhile, in Wayanad, the Athichal–Mundankolli project (Rs 2.65 crore) is ensuring consistent water supply to local agricultural communities. Further expansion is underway, with projects worth Rs 21.53 crore progressing in Pazhayanoor in Thrissur, Kuttithanal in Ernakulam, KERALA CALLING 2025 MAY 19 KERALA CALLING 2025 MAY 19 Seethathodu in Pathanamthitta, Vandanmedu and Kamakshiparakadavu in Idukki, and Kanjiramuzhi in Kozhikode under the K.M. Mani Community Micro Irrigation Initiative. Apart from this, major developments in Idukki, including the Rs 498 lakh Calvary Mount Phase 1 project and the Rs two crore extension work at Nellippara (Kamakshi Panchayat), have also been entrusted with KIIDC.
Reducing Water Supply Losses
Kerala is taking bold steps to minimise water distribution losses and ensure financial stability in its water supply system. At present, the cost of treating and distributing one kilolitre (1,000 litres) of water stands at Rs 24.82. However, the average revenue per kilolitre is only Rs 19.80, leaving a deficit of Rs 5.02 per kilolitre. As part of its steps to ensure financial stability, the Amnesty Scheme (2022–23) was launched. This helped in resolving 95,012 applications, recovering Rs 103.56 crore and waiving off Rs 452.09 crore in long standing dues. Moreover, inactive water meters have been replaced, further reducing revenue losses. To tackle pipeline-related losses, an amount of Rs 47 crore has been earmarked in the 2025–26 state budget for replacing 268 old pipelines across Kerala
Susdhiratha: Reviving Water Supply
The Kerala government has introduced the ‘Susdhiratha’ project (Sustainability) to revive and maintain stalled community drinking water schemes
Jalanidhi: Transforming Rural Water Access
The Jalanidhi project, implemented in two phases, has revolutionised rural water accessibility across Kerala. So far, 5,884 drinking water schemes have been successfully implemented across 227 gram panchayats.
Rainwater Harvesting and Groundwater Recharge
The Rain Water Harvesting and Groundwater Recharge project envisaged for protecting and restoring wells is set for completion by 31 March 2026
Waterways: Strengthening the Flow
To address tidal flow issues in Aroor constituency, projects worth Rs 875.70 million have been proposed. Meanwhile, four major projects worth Rs 36 crore under the Rebuild Kerala Initiative are being implemented to improve water flow and strengthen embankments along the Pamba and Achankovil rivers. 20 for a sewer network under the AMRUT scheme. Kerala is also undertaking large-scale riverbank protection to safeguard vulnerable areas from erosion and flooding. In Ambalappuzha constituency, extensive protection work in Purakkad Panchayat along the Pamba River from Kurichikkal to T hottappally Spillway is progressing with an allocated budget of Rs 37 crore. Additionally, an amount of Rs 33 crore has been sanctioned for protective measures along the Thottappally sandbank, covering key areas such as Viyapuram, Cheruthana, and Karuvatta panchayats. Meanwhile, two projects worth Rs 2.50 crore are being implemented in Kuttanad constituency to fortify Pamba River’s banks from Viyapuram Bridge to Prayathery paddy fields. The construction of a new spillway at Thottappally is also progressing, with soil testing and surveys completed. In addition to this, the government has sanctioned Rs 16.112 crore to the Irrigation Mechanical Division for the restoration of T hottappally Spillway shutters. As part of mitigating flooding in Kuttanad, the AC Canal is being reopened for better water drainage from Manakkachira to Pallathuruthy. In the first phase, the 11.078 km stretch from Manakkachira to Onnamkara has been revitalised at a cost of Rs 14,36,74,606. For the second phase, a Detailed Project Report (DPR) has been submitted to extend the work from Onnamkara to Nedumudi (3.42 km), with an estimated budget of Rs 170 crore.
Alappuzha Canal Beautification
The Alappuzha Canal Beautification Project is going on in a fast phase. The beautification, to be undertaken in two phases, has got administrative sanction for an amount of Rs 108 crore, with Rs 96.509 crore sanctioned through KIIFB. In the first phase, the focus is on cleaning, dredging and deepening nine major canals and two subsidiary canals, along with constructing nine culverts along the Alappuzha–Cherthala canal. T he second phase involves cleaning and maintaining 55 feeder canals while restoring Kapithodu and Madayanthodu. Apart from this, three concrete culverts are constructed along the Alappuzha–Cherthala canal, with 80 per cent of the work already completed.
Hilly Aqua: Kerala’s Bottled Water Goes Global
To stabilise bottled water prices, the Kerala Water Authority introduced Hilly Aqua, which has quickly become a market success. With growing demand, the brand has expanded its reach beyond India, now exported to GCC nations, including the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Bahrain and Qatar. In a pioneering step towards sustainability, Hilly Aqua is set to become the first bottled water brand in India to be available in biodegradable packaging. With rising public demand for the product, a new Hilly Aqua production unit will soon be launched in Peruvannamuzhi, Kozhikode. In collaboration with Southern Railway, Hilly Aqua bottled water is now available at railway stations, making it more accessible to commuters. Managed by the Kerala Irrigation Infrastructure Development Corporation (KIIDC) under the Water Resources Department, Hilly Aqua offers affordable drinking water compared to private brands. While private bottled water costs Rs 20 per litre, Hilly Aqua is priced at a maximum of Rs 15, and even lower at Rs 10 per litre when purchased from factory outlets, ration shops, Consumerfed stores, Neethi medical stores, Triveni outlets and jail outlets. Hilly Aqua is also available in half-litre, two-litre, five-litre and 20-litre jars from its Thodupuzha plant. As part of diversification, Hilly Aqua is going for the production of soda and soft drinks under the same brand, with distribution set to begin by October.
Ensuring Water Quality
To monitor the quality of drinking water, the Kerala Water Authority (KWA) operates a network of laboratories, including the SRI State Lab in Ernakulam, 14 district labs and 71 sub-district labs. A dedicated microbiology standard testing lab functions in Ranni to further strengthen quality control measures. Further expanding its efforts on water quality, the department has proposed water quality testing facilities in higher secondary schools, covering 87 institutions with an estimated cost of Rs five crore