THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: With summer peaking and water bodies drying up, the coastal belt from Poonthura to Pozhiyoor is facing an acute water shortage. The authorities are struggling to supply adequate water to the residents in the area, who are still reeling from the aftereffects caused by cyclone Ockhi.
The situation at Vizhinjam is such that the residents have to depend on private water tankers to quench their thirst. As many as 4,260 families in the locality suffer due to this.According to Johnny Ishaq, a resident, the private water tank operators charge Rs 7 to Rs 10 per pot of water. “Everyday, the residents have to stand on long queues to collect water from the private parties, who are exploiting our situation. The government and the city corporation have turned a blind eye towards our long-standing needs. Though we have staged agitations many times, it all went in vain,” Ishaq said.
Fr Wilfred, the vicar of Vizhinjam Parish, told Express that the residents had to seek the help of Adani Group, operators of Vizhinjam Adani Ports Limited, to supply water through their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative.
“Unlike other private tankers, Adani adopted a lenient approach towards the fisherfolks at Vizhinjam. They have already installed 12 water tankers at various places. Even then, it doesn’t meet our requirement. We need government support. How long can we pay for water?”, he asked.
Wilfred also added that the Vizhnijam area was yet to reap the benefits of Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). “Though the civic bodies promised to supply water, no water tankers have come here yet. This is a sheer apathy”, Wilfred said.
The situation is no different at Poonthura, Pozhiyoor and Valiyathura. Dolly, a fisherwoman residing in a thickly-populated area at Poonthura, said there is a frequent water shortage. “The water supply is getting interrupted at regular intervals. Moreover, the government promise to supply water in tankers has also not been fulfilled yet,” Dolly said.
Fr Justin Judin, vicar of
Poonthura Parish, said Poonthura area is comparatively better though there were water issues. He added regular water supply, however, has not been restored yet.
Last month, the District Panchayat had identified grama panchayats and localities that could be severely hit by drinking water shortage. However, they ignored coastal areas by and large.
‘No information on scarcity’
District Panchayat president V K Madhu said the water supply through the tanker lorries had not begun as they are yet to receive any information regarding water scarcity in the coastal areas. “We know water shortage remains a major problem in the coastal areas. But, we did not receive any intimation on acute crisis. However, we will address the issue soon and will make arrangements on war footing”, Madhu said.
Earlier, the district panchayat had announced it would prepare a master-plan for ensuring water security in rural areas. The district panchayat has also started implementing the Rs 200 crore ‘Jalasaree’ project to restore old ponds and water bodies and dig new ones.
KWA to act soon
When Express contacted A Shainamol, managing director, Kerala Water Authority (KWA), she said KWA would take up the issue and the crisis would be addressed very soon.
“It is true that the coastal areas have issues. Earlier, we have extended pipelines till the coastal areas to ensure uninterrupted water supply. However, I will check with the authorities and will do my best to ensure a regular water supply”, Shainamol said.