Kochi thirsts for potable water

KOCHI: Despite the excess monsoon and normal supply from the Kerala Water Authority pump house at Aluva, many areas in the city are reeling under acute water scarcity for the last couple of weeks.  Chittoor, Cheranalloor, Pachalam, Vaduthala, Edappally North areas are not getting water for nearly a month. Karshaka Road in Vaduthala, Link Park area, Pachalam market, Darussalam Road, Kalathiparambu Road, Gana-pathy Temple Road have not been getting drinking water for several weeks.

Pachalam pump house is not able to pump enough water and the tail-end areas in the distribution network are hit by supply disruption. However, according to KWA officials, there has not been any decrease in the supply.  “Though supply is normal from Aluva and pump houses at Thammanam, enough water is not reaching the distribution network,” said sources at KWA.

In the wake of disruption in water supply, Hibi Eden MLA has asked KWA to take immediate measures to resolve water scarcity in Ernakulam Assembly constituency. Hibi has also urged KWA officials to take necessary measures in view of pipeline bursts in areas where Metro construction works are on.  Water supply to areas near Ernakulam south railway station, Kalathiparambu Road and Carrier Station Road was disrupted last week after pipeline bursts during Metro piling works.  “In the wake of frequent pipe bursts, KWA needs to consult with other government departments to effectively tackle such crisis situations,” he said.