Thiruvananthapuram Faces Drinking Water Shortage; Corporation Turns a Blind Eye

Thiruvananthapuram: The Thiruvananthapuram Corporation has been unable to resolve the drinking water shortage that has been ongoing for weeks. Despite the lack of drinking water in many areas of the city, neither the Mayor nor the corporation administration led by BJP has paid attention to the issue. With only days left for the Pongala festival, which is expected to attract thousands, this failure has created a serious crisis, raising concerns about the conduct of the festival.

The drinking water problem is particularly acute in the entire Attukal region. Residents’ associations have organised a public blockade in Manakkad.

Meanwhile, the BJP is allegedly attempting to cover up its own shortcomings and spread communal propaganda. “Can this happen during the Beemapally Urus or the Vettukad festival? There seems to be an attempt to disrupt festivals of Hindu temples like Attukal and Konchiravil,” said Ambalathara Councillor Simi Jyothish. BJP councillors are reportedly trying to create religious tension among people under the pretext of drinking water scarcity.

Last year, when the city experienced water disruptions due to the Water Authority’s underground works, the corporation had provided water to homes free of cost. The disruption had occurred when pipelines were relocated as part of the railway line doubling work. At that time, the corporation had supplied water using 40 tankers. However, despite weeks of severe water shortage this year, the corporation has not deployed the small tanks available in its garage. The corporation’s stance is that water will be supplied only if booked with payment.