Canal Restoration in Kochi, India

The report assesses three intervention scenarios for the Pandarachirathodu Canal in Kochi, India, to combat degradation, pollution, and flooding. It finds that all three scenarios—ranging from a hybrid 'integrated wetland technology' (IWT) to a comprehensive biodiversity park—are investment worthy. While the highest net benefits (INR 325-331 million) are achieved by combining IWT with nature-based interventions like mangroves and floating wetlands, the highest benefit-to-cost ratio is found in the baseline IWT scenario, yielding INR 9.78 in net benefits for every INR 1 invested.

• Canals in Kochi have severely degraded, leading to increased flood risks; a survey of over 300 canalside households revealed that 44% experienced flooding during heavy rainfall and 39% experienced tidal flooding.
• The report evaluated three scenarios for the Pandarachirathodu Canal: a hybrid integrated wetland technology (IWT) for wastewater and flood prevention; IWT combined with floating wetlands, mangroves, and culvert removal; and a comprehensive plan adding a biodiversity park for ecotourism and job creation.
• All three analyzed scenarios are considered investment worthy. The highest net benefits, totaling between INR 325 and 331 million, are produced by the combination of IWT with nature-based infrastructure. However, the baseline IWT scenario offers the highest benefit-to-cost ratio, with every INR 1 invested resulting in INR 9.78 in net benefits.

APA

Kapetanakis,, A. B. B. C. (2024). Canal Restoration in Kochi, India. International Institute for Sustainable Development. https://www.iisd.org/publications/report/nbi-canal-restoration-kochi-india

Chicago

Kapetanakis,, Andrea Bassi,Ronja Bechauf,Edoardo Carlucci,Michail. Canal Restoration in Kochi, India. International Institute for Sustainable Development, 2024. https://www.iisd.org/publications/report/nbi-canal-restoration-kochi-india.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |last1=Kapetanakis, |first1=Andrea Bassi,Ronja Bechauf,Edoardo Carlucci,Michail |title=Canal Restoration in Kochi, India |publisher=International Institute for Sustainable Development |date=31 July 2024 |url=https://www.iisd.org/publications/report/nbi-canal-restoration-kochi-india |access-date=17 August 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{kapetanakis2024canal, author = {Kapetanakis,, Andrea Bassi,Ronja Bechauf,Edoardo Carlucci,Michail}, title = {{Canal Restoration in Kochi, India}}, institution = {International Institute for Sustainable Development}, year = {2024}, month = jul, url = {https://www.iisd.org/publications/report/nbi-canal-restoration-kochi-india}, urldate = {2026-08-17}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }