With Kochi experiencing frequent waterlogging and flooding during heavy showers, Cochin Smart Mission Limited (CSML) will implement an innovative stormwater drainage project in 74 wards of the corporation. KIIFCON, the project management consultancy of CSML, has notified a tender to prepare a detailed project report (DPR) for implementing the project, which has been envisaged as part of the smart city project.

The project document notes that the climate in Kochi is tropical, and the city enjoys monsoons twice a year, translating to annual rainfall of approximately 3,099 mm. The southwest monsoon, which usually lasts between June and September, brings around 60 per cent of the annual precipitation, while the Northeast monsoon, which takes place between October and mid-November, typically brings about 25 per cent of the annual rainfall in the region.

The current drainage infrastructure in Kochi is inadequate to handle the increasing volume of stormwater, resulting in frequent waterlogging and flooding across the city's 74 wards. This situation is further compounded by the high level of groundwater, which limits the natural percolation of stormwater. In the face of these challenges, it is imperative to adopt an integrated approach that combines advanced technologies and sustainable practices to enhance the city's drainage capacity, according to the document.

The DPR will provide a blueprint for implementing an innovative stormwater drainage system tailored to Kochi's unique topographical and hydrological conditions. The project is meant to mitigate flood risks and contribute to the urban environment's long-term resilience and sustainability.

A GIS-based comprehensive stormwater drainage database and establishment of standard operating procedures for drainage system maintenance and flood mitigation strategies will also be developed as part of the project. The entire stormwater drainage network will be mapped, including natural drains and man-made systems, along with the identification of major outfalls and their locations.