Restoring the blue heart of Kochi: 19th-century canal gets a new life

In a striking example of urban ecological restoration , Kochi in Kerala is bringing back to life a 19th-century canal system that once played a key role in the region’s coastal identity. The revival of the Thevara-Perandoor (TP) Canal , a 10-kilometre stretch, is steadily transforming a long-polluted waterway into a symbol of climate resilience, biodiversity recovery, and community participation.

The canal, which connects to the ecologically sensitive Vembanad Lake, had suffered for decades due to sewage discharge, solid waste accumulation, and neglect . This deterioration severely impacted water quality as well as the livelihoods of communities dependent on fishing and small-scale water-based activities.

To address this, the TP Canal Restoration Programme was launched in 2023 as a joint effort involving the Kochi Municipal Corporation, the Centre for Heritage, Environment and Development, and the United Nations Environment Programme. The initiative aims to combine e cological restoration with modern urban infrastructure, with the goal of turning the canal into a clean, flowing and multifunctional water system.

A key feature of the project is its hybrid green-grey approach , which includes floating wetlands, mangrove replantation, waste interception systems, and smart water-quality monitoring . These interventions are designed to improve water flow , reduce pollution, and strengthen flood management in a city increasingly exposed to climate risks.

Early signs of progress are already visible, with improvements in water clarity and a reduction in visible contamination. Equally important has been the strong community engagement . Over 400 students from 55 schools have participated in awareness programmes, while local fisherwomen are being trained in mangrove care, environmental monitoring, and waste management practices.

Once fully restored, the canal is expected to feature walkways, green open spaces, and cultural areas , helping reconnect Kochi with its maritime heritage and public waterfront life.

The initiative also aligns with global efforts such as Back to Blue, which focuses on tackling ocean pollution and sustainable coastal development worldwide.

Experts view the TP Canal revival as more than a restoration project. It is emerging as a model for sustainable urban development , where heritage, ecology, and community participation come together to reshape how cities live with water in a changing climate.