KOCHI: Even before the onset of summer, issues related to water shortage is creeping up at various places in the City. Many areas, including Vaduthala Karshaka Road, Link Park area, Radha Mill and Pachalam market, Dar-Ul Salam Road, Kaathiprambu Road and Ganapathy Temple Road are already feeling the heat. Usually, water scarcity hits the city in January/February, but this time it has begun even before the Christmas season . "I have requested the Kerala Water Authority (KWA) to resolve the issues related to the water supply at Ernakulam South," said Hibi Eden MLA. "Here, the construction of the Kochi Metro Rail is going on. As a result, some water supply pipes need to be replaced as part of utility shifting."
He said pipe bursts were reported at Ernakulam South area last week because of the Metro rail construction work. "The burst pipes have resulted in acute water shortage at Kalathiprambu Road, Carrier Station Road and South Railway station area. The KWA has started the repair works," he said.
Meanwhile, the water scarcity has also affected North Edappally, Mythri Lane, Vadakke Kunnumpuram, Societypady, Poozhithode, Winners Road, Godown area at Cheranalloor, Njattuvetti and other places in the city.
Hibi said though pumping is taking place at the Pachalam Pump House, the water is not reaching Chittoor area. "Considering the gravity of the situation, the Metro rail construction should be undertaken with utmost care. They should try to avoid incidents of a pipe burst, which will aggravate the water scarcity. We hope the civic body and the departments concerned will collectively launch steps to increase the efficiency of water supply. The drinking water supply needs to be more scientific and systematic," said Hibi.