Thiroor: A sewage treatment plant has been commissioned at the Navamukunda Temple in Thirunavaya, which is visited daily by hundreds of devotees. Built at a cost of ₹1.5 crore, the facility has the capacity to treat 40,000 litres of sewage water per day.

The temple, a major destination for devotees performing the Bali Tharpanam ritual, witnesses a steady influx of visitors as early as 4 AM. Many make use of the washrooms both before and after performing the rites. With the heavy footfall, the temple devaswom had been struggling to manage the large volume of sewage generated. The decision to install the treatment plant was taken to address this pressing issue.

The project was designed and implemented by the IRTC Project Implementation Unit. The plant incorporates technology suited to the region’s climate and the sacred ambience of the temple precincts. The treated water can be recycled for reuse and an ultrafiltration system has also been included to ensure quality of recycled water. The entire facility has been constructed in strict compliance with the Pollution Control Board’s guidelines.