Meenachil river project ensures stable water supply for Kottayam

Water Resources Minister Roshy Augustine addressed concerns about the Meenachil river valley project on Tuesday. The project is designed to manage excess water from the Muvattupuzha basin. Its goal is to secure a stable water supply for Kottayam district, particularly during dry seasons. Augustine reassured the public that the project would not negatively affect water supplies in nearby Ernakulam and Alappuzha districts. He responded to worries raised by legislator Anoop Jacob, who mentioned potential risks of drought in Muvattupuzha and nearby areas. The Meenachil river is vital for irrigation and drinking water in Kottayam. Unfortunately, it mainly flows during the monsoon. The new project aims to connect the Muvattupuzha and Meenachil basins for better water management. Additionally, Augustine noted that a feasibility study by the Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) is part of an expansion at the Moolamattom hydroelectric project. This expansion will increase electricity generation by adding new generators. The extra capacity will allow for more water to be redirected to the Meenachil river, enhancing water availability. Currently, the Moolamattom plant discharges 163 cubic meters per second of water. The new project could boost this by an additional 150 cubic meters per second. With both projects running, the total flow into the Thodupuzha river will reach 314 cubic meters per second, ensuring enough water supply from the Muvattupuzha river.