Thiruvananthapuram: Even after intermittent drizzles lashing the district for two days, there is no respite from water scarcity in river rich rural Thiruvananthapuram. Water reaches only once in seven days in panchayats beyond Vizhinjam which have locations that are a combination of hilly and coastal terrain.
“We would have been happy even if water reached once in seven days as we can conserve. Sadly, the whole equilibrium gets disturbed as water comes only on the eighth or ninth day sometimes,” said Sajithra S,member of the Pulingudi water Kottukal panchayat.
Making matters worse, water scarce Pulingudi also houses the Armed Reserve Battalion of the rural police where around 200 policemen manage with a little water for daily necessities. Though there are an abundance of wells in the locality, most of them have no water.
The member added that things are not any better in places like Punnakulam, Moolakkara and Chowwara areas. Similarly, Kalliyoor, Veyloor, Melthonnakkal and Venganoor in Vizhinjam circuit also wait for the commissioning of the Vellayani water scheme.
Elsewhere, in the hilly terrain of Nedumangaud, areas like Peringamala, Panavoor, Nanthiode, Tholikkode, Vamanapuram and Vithura reel under water scarcity. KWA claims that on most days water is supplied by tanker to many locations. “We had followed up the need for a new municipal water project for Nedumangaud with people like MLA Palode Ravi with little help,” said Rahul Shaji a resident of Vithura.
