Utility services of Thrissur

Thrissur () is a city situated in the central region of the state of Kerala, India. It is the headquarters of the Thrissur District. It is known as the 'Cultural Capital of Kerala'. Thrissur Muncipal Corporation is the only local body and city in Kerala which directly controls power, water supply and solid waste management system in the Thrissur city.

Water supply

Until 1961, the Thrissur city and the surrounding Panchayats were provided with water supply with the use of local shallow open wells. During the year 1961, water supply scheme was commissioned to extract, treat and distribute water from Peechi RESERVOIR a distance of 23 kms. The scheme was further augmented during the years 1986 and 1995. Peechi reservoir was constructed mainly for irrigation purposes but is also providing water to the neighboring Kolazhy, Pananchery, Mulankunnathukavu and Arannur, as well as to the Thrissur Medical College, Kerala Agricultural University. In addition to the above, certain parts of [[Ollur[[, and Ollukkara panchayats, which are in the corporation area, are provided with different water supply schemes.

Treatment and Transmission

Raw water is extracted from the Peechi reservoir through a 600mm diameter C.I. intake pipe embedded within the dam, and treated in conventional water treatment plants of 50.5 MLD total capacity. The treated water flows to the Thrissur city under gravity through two transmission mains of about 18.5 km. The transmission mains are designed to convey 50.5 MLD of water.

Storage and Distribution System

Treated water is conveyed to four overhead tanks (O.H.T.) capacity 0.86 ML (each) in the city center, one OHT at Thenkinkavu (capacity 3.4 ML) developed under Phase 1 and a 3 ML O.H.T at Chembukavu developed under Phase 2 and there after distributed through distribution pipelines.Water distribution lines of various pipe sizes have been laid within the Thrissur city with a total length of about 428 km. Various materials have been used from 50mm G.I. pipes to 600mm diameter AC/CI pipes. In respect of Ollur Panchayat distribution mains have been laid for 54 kms and in Ollukkara panchayat 50k ms of distribution mains of sizes ranging from 40mm to 200mm diameter. Over 95% of Thrissur residential areas have access to a piped water supply although many also use water from open wells located on their premises.

The distribution network covers practically all the streets within the city. The old Municipal area is provided with daily water supply for more than 12 hours but in certain pockets, particularly in high-level areas, water scarcity is felt. In some added areas, water is provided only on alternative days of limited duration. KWA’s operation in Thrissur has service connections of 26,495 domestic, 2,800 non-domestic, 2 industrial and 2,209 public standposts. In 2008, the Corporation is replacing the 19-km long existing pipeline and renovation of water treatment plant at Peechi. The new pipeline would ensure uninterrupted water supply for the city dwellers.

Operation Maintenance

The operation and maintenance (O&M) of various components such as pumping plants, W.T.P, and the distribution system is carried out by KWA who provides about 160 staff including 35 engineering.

Electricity

History

In Pursuance of the Order No. D7.16849/12 dated 7th August 1937 issued by the Development Department of the Government of His Highness The Maharaja of Cochin, instructions were issued with regard to the execution of the formal deed of assignment of the Trichur Electric License and Undertaking by the Cochin State Power & Light Corporation Ltd in favour of Thrichur Municipal Councils and with regard to the surrender by Messers chandrie & Co of their managing agency rights also, a surrender deed to be executed in favour of the Municipal Councils from M/s. Chandrie & Co and handed over to the Municipal councils along with the assignment deed. As per the order D7.16849/12 dated 19th Augusdt 1937, of the Development Department of the Government of His Highness the Maharaja of Cochin, The Government has approved the registration of the purchase deed registered on 14.08.1937 connected with the purchase of the electrical undertaking from the Cochin State Power and Light Corporation Ltd by the Trichur Municipal Council.

Present

The Thrissur Muncipal Corporation manages the distribution of electricity to residents and commercial establishments covering about 12 square kilometers. Thrissur Corporation Electricity Department (TCED) is a licensee and is in the service of distribution of electricity, bought from Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB), at affordable cost to all classes of consumers within the municipal (geographical) limits of old Thrissur Municipality.

Thrissur Muncipal Corporation and TCED are separate entities and the TCED is run on a commercial basis. The municipal corporation purchases power in bulk from the Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB). The budget for this operation, however, is separately prepared and is not included in the annual municipal corporation budget. The separate books of accounts of the operation are also kept under the cash based system.