KOCHI: With no end in sight for the acute water scarcity in western Kochi areas, residents are up in arms against the lackadaisical approach of the civic authorities and Kerala Water Authority in resolving the problem. They held protests, including a dharna, on Sunday. Buses were not permitted to enter Fort Kochi and even the Vypeen – Fort Kochi boat service was not allowed to berth.
Though water scarcity has been perennial in the area, the quantity of water supplied decreased sharply in last few weeks. As per KWA data, it could provide only 25 to 30 MLD a day while the actual requirement in the area is more than 45 MLD. Water scarcity is severe in Fort Kochi, Kalvathy, Iraveli and Karipalam. Antony Kureethara, former division councillor, told DC that though the KWA and civic body had promised additional water supply from the newly commissioned Maradu treatment plant which sources water from Muvattupuzha river, it remain unfulfilled.
“During the festival season, when the requirement is high, residents are not getting water even for their basic needs. Scarcity has also affected the tourism sector as the season has just begun,” he said. Meanwhile, Town Planning Committee chairperson Shainy Mathew, who represents Fort Kochi division, said the issue had been taken up with the KWA top officials who agreed to augment the supply from Sunday evening.
“KWA executive engineer Jessy Jose said that pumping from Perumanoor has been hit due to technical problems. The issue will be resolved by Sunday evening, and the supply can be augmented. KWA should immediately replace the archaic and broken pipeline and provide additional water from the Maradu plant,” she said.
