Kochi, a Generation Restoration pilot city, implemented a project aiming to restore the Thevara-Perandoor Canal, a critical waterway for the city. This case study was compiled based on information provided by Kochi about the pilot project.

About the city

Kochi has a municipal population of approximately 600,000 residents, while its urban area is home to approximately 2.5 million residents. It is located on the southwestern coast of India in the state of Kerala, between the Malabar Coast and Vembanad Lake, in a coastal wetland zone with an intricate canal system historically used for transportation and trade. Kochi has a tropical, monsoon climate, with rainy summers, dry winters, and generally hot weather year-round. As a historic port city known as the “Queen of the Arabian Sea”, maritime activities are still central to Kochi’s economy, in addition to its role as a regional economic hub with electronics, information technology, and related industries. 

Local challenges

Kochi faces growing climate change threats, including flooding, sea level rise, and intense monsoons. The combination of sea-level rise and cyclone-induced storm surges is projected to lead to more coastal erosion, saltwater intrusion, urban flooding, and the destruction of property and infrastructure. Heat waves also pose a threat, impacting urban wellbeing, health, agriculture, and water resources. At the same time, unplanned urbanization and deforestation encroach upon the city’s remaining green spaces, particularly canals and mangroves. These ecosystems are further degraded due to water pollution from industry, urban runoff, and sewage, as well as solid and plastic waste, which overwhelm collection systems and lead to illegal dumping. These combined impacts not only threaten terrestrial and marine ecosystems, but are also exacerbated by social inequalities, including a growing concentration of people living in vulnerable informal areas, economic disparities, and health issues.

The pilot project in Kochi was focused on restoration of its network of canals, once bustling highways of trade and commerce, that have suffered neglect from residents and policymakers, rendering many sections dysfunctional. The pilot project specifically focuses on the Thevara-Perandoor (TP) Canal, which stretches approximately 9,950 meters in length and serves as a crucial drainage artery to carry stormwater and drainage water away from the Kochi Municipal Corporation area. However, the TP Canal is now heavily silted, its banks have eroded, and invasive aquatic plants have proliferated, obstructing navigation and negatively impacting biodiversity. Water quality has also declined due to pollution from agricultural runoff and industrial waste, and encroachments along both sides of the canal have caused further contamination, decreased canal width, clogging, and hindered water flow. 

Action through Generation Restoration

The Generation Restoration pilot project in Kochi aimed to  facilitate the ecological restoration of the TP Canal, to enhance Kochi’s resilience to climate change impacts while improving biodiversity and reducing human health and ecosystem degradation due to pollution. 

Preliminary project activities included a comprehensive baseline assessment of the canal system. This included systematic review of existing government reports and other studies on the TP Canal, followed by interviews with senior engineers from various government departments, urban planners, environmental experts, and other professionals with substantial expertise in canal management. These interviews were instrumental in gathering expert opinions and insights on the canal system, enriching the project with diverse perspectives and specialized knowledge.

The project team then conducted an initial field study of the canal, with the assistance of engineers, urban planners, and environmental experts. The study encompassed the entire canal stretch, ensuring thorough coverage and documentation of key areas. The field study also involved consultations with residents in the canal’s vicinity, to gather insights on the current status and needs around the canal. This approach not only enriched the canal’s assessment but also fostered a deeper connection with the community, enhancing the overall effectiveness of the investigation.

The project team also held three meetings with key project stakeholders, including local residents and experts, to present the pilot project and gather insights and feedback. These meetings ensured that various stakeholders had the opportunity to contribute their perspectives, enriching the dialogue and enhancing the project's planning and implementation phases. Similarly, two review meetings were held with the Mayor of Kochi to present the project’s progress.

To develop a comprehensive implementation plan, the project team undertook a systematic analysis of the TP Canal. This was informed by additional site reconnaissance and technical discussions, followed by detailed assessment of the canal in two-kilometer sections. This sectional analysis included subsequent fieldwork, with field teams deployed to each section to collect data, document observations, and engage in field consultations. Insights from each section were then compiled to understand patterns, issues, and opportunities, which informed the overall restoration strategy for the canal. The final plan incorporates phased implementation recommendations, stakeholder engagement frameworks, and proposals for sustainable canal development. The restoration plan, which is proposed to take place over a 10-year timeframe, will include establishment of riparian buffers, wetland restoration, creation of floating wetlands and bioswales, desilting and debris removal, widening of the canal, drainage restoration, bridge upgrades, waste removal, and the design and construction of green-blue infrastructure, among other interventions. 

An educational and awareness-raising campaign, titled “Know Your Canal”, was launched in 55 schools throughout Kochi, with the aim to educate students on the importance of environmental conservation, the history and current state of the TP Canal, and its potential for revitalization, inspiring students to think creatively about ecosystem restoration and sustainable waterways. Activities through the campaign included classes on the importance of canal systems and the current challenges of the TP Canal, drawing competitions using artwork to visualize the future of the canal, and essay-writing competitions proposing ideas for restoration and sustainable management of the canal. The campaigns also featured a field visit to the canal, providing hands-on knowledge of present challenges and the canal’s biodiversity. 

The “Know Your Canal” campaign also featured discussions with residents of the wards, administrative units within Kochi, near the canal. Participants included ward councilors, residence association members, and residents, including women and the elderly. The discussions aimed to facilitate a meaningful dialogue between stakeholders by visualizing the canal over the past decades, showcasing the canal's transformation from its glory days to its current degraded state, gathering input on pressures on the canal and suggestions for restoration, and highlighting the need for collective efforts for restoration.

A one-day workshop with government institutions was also held, which convened more than 20 representatives from various government departments, as well as subject matter experts, architects, and engineers. The workshop provided an opportunity to gather support and feedback on the proposed restoration solutions, and provided a platform for discussion, collaboration, and knowledge sharing.

A series of meetings with key private sector organizations also provided opportunities to explore collaborations and funding support, particularly identifying areas for corporations to get involved in restoration work through corporate social responsibility initiatives, technical partnerships, and co-financing. Furthermore, the project was presented at the Partnership and Investment Dialogue in New Delhi. This was a significant platform to strengthen partnerships with key donor agencies and stakeholders, opening avenues for potential technical collaboration, funding support, and policy alignment to implement the broader restoration plan.

One innovative communications campaign conducted through the pilot project was a photography competition, launched on World Environment Day, focused on the TP Canal. Advertised widely on various media outlets and in educational institutions, the competition garnered close to 100 submissions showcasing the canal’s ecological, cultural, and developmental significance. Photos were then showcased in a public exhibition to engage the community and raise awareness about the canal’s heritage and ecological significance. The exhibition took place over the course of two weeks, and attracted between 300 and 500 people per day, including representatives from private organizations, institutions, public sector units, and government departments.

Main outcomes

Overall, the pilot project in Kochi laid the groundwork to establish a large-scale restoration project in the TP Canal, with the generation of a detailed restoration plan and essential diagnostic and baseline data informing project design. Furthermore, the project had major successes in terms of community engagement and educational programming.

One of the most notable outcomes was the increased involvement of residents throughout the pilot project. Local residents shared their concerns about the canal’s transformation from a thriving waterway to a stagnant, polluted channel. This shift from passive observation to active participation marked a positive change in how the community interacts with its environment.

The "Know Your Canal" Campaign successfully combined education and creativity to raise awareness among students about the importance of ecosystem restoration. By fostering a connection with the TP Canal and inspiring innovative thinking, the campaign laid the groundwork for future community involvement in restoring and protecting this waterway. Nearly 400 students from various schools in Kochi participated in the campaign’s essay-writing and painting competitions. Entries reflected not only creativity but also good understanding of the canal’s significance, challenges, and potential. The participating students were well-informed and deeply connected with the local environment, and their insights highlighted the importance of preserving and revitalizing the canal.

Innovative approaches to community engagement, such as through the project’s photo exhibition, also proved successful. This exhibition served as a powerful visual tool, highlighting the canal’s historical significance and the current challenges, while also capturing the community’s emotional connection to the canal. The exhibition not only raised awareness but also encouraged reflection on the canal’s transformation over time, fostered public interest, and galvanized support for the canal’s restoration efforts. 

Pilot City

City Map

Partners

Ecosystem Types

Freshwaters, Oceans and coasts y Urban areas

Project Budget

$52,000 USD

Project Duration

April 2024 – August 2025

Climate, Biodiversity, and Pollution Risks Addressed

  • Extreme temperatures
  • Droughts
  • Sea-level rise
  • Extreme precipitation / flooding
  • Coastal erosion
  • Habitat destruction
  • Invasive species
  • Species loss / extinction
  • Ecosystem degradation
  • Water pollution
  • Waste mismanagement

Restoration Techniques Applied

  • Canal restoration
  • Dredging
  • Invasive species control
  • Pollution control
  • Riverbank restoration
  • Waste management

Key learnings & next steps

The pilot project in Kochi generated key learnings for community engagement and waste management, insights that will inform broader restoration work:

  • Consistent community engagement: A significant lesson learned was the importance of consistent community engagement. While some residents were initially skeptical, the project team’s efforts to involve them in the process helped build trust and led to greater collaboration over the course of the project.
  • Waste management: On the other hand, a challenging lesson was the difficulty of managing waste effectively. The reluctance to fully embrace waste disposal measures, coupled with inadequate enforcement, revealed how deeply ingrained these practices are. This lesson reinforced the need for more stringent regulation and community education on the long-term consequences of pollution and instilling a sense of ownership in the community.

Looking forward, the vision for the TP Canal is to transform it into a vibrant, biodiverse waterway that supports both ecological health and social activities. Kochi looks forward to implementing the phased interventions outlined in the action plan. The next steps from the project include strengthening physical infrastructure along vulnerable canal stretches to prevent flooding and siltation; sustaining the momentum built by the community and school involvement through regular clean-up drives, waste management campaigns, and ongoing education initiatives; employing nature-based solutions in the canal; and reintroducing aquatic species and encouraging sustainable fishing practices to re-establish the canal’s role in supporting local livelihoods and biodiversity. 

Beyond Restoration

Kochi’s restoration efforts build on a foundation of city- and state-level plans that mainstream nature-based solutions across urban development, water management, biodiversity conservation, transport, and climate resilience. A wide range of policies, including the Kochi 2040 Masterplan, the Local Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan, and the Water Policy for Kochi Municipal Corporation, embed nature-based solutions through provisions for green infrastructure, wetland protection, sustainable drainage, ecosystem service assessments, coastal zone management, and urban ecosystem restoration. These frameworks are reinforced by tools such as the Kochi City Biodiversity Index, detailed mangrove ecosystem service valuations, and an investment case for nature-based solutions, which guide cross-sectoral strategies for urban cooling, waterway restoration, disaster risk reduction, and climate resilience. Together, they position Kochi as one of India’s most advanced municipal environments for nature-based solutions planning and governance.

These frameworks have translated into a substantial portfolio of projects that extend far beyond the TP Canal initiative. Programs such as InteractBio, the Kawaki urban greening campaign, the Kochi Smart Canal, and sustainable neighborhood demonstrations showcase green-grey solutions, urban forestry, decentralized waste and wastewater treatment, and community-led ecosystem restoration. Citywide initiatives further emphasize conservation and biodiversity preservation, including its rainwater harvesting schemes, nature-based sewage treatment at schools, the Marine Drive Ecological Park, Vembanad Lake restoration, mangrove conservation, coastal buffer creation, and floodplain rehabilitation.