The project, which is expected to increase the drinking water supply to Kochi and neighbouring local bodies, is hanging fire due to the dispute over the route for laying the pipelines. The local bodies of Piravam, Mulanthuruthy and Edakattuvayal had earlier objected to cutting open the main road connecting Piravam and Ernakulam for laying the supply pipelines. They had also suggested an alternative route for laying the pipes. The proposal to cut open the road had also ignited widespread protests.