Kozhikode city left high & dry
Residents left to fend for themselves as Corp fails to ensure water supply.
KOZHIKODE: As the drinking water supply in the City by the administration has not yet covered all the areas, the residents have formed their own groups to supply drinking water at many places.
These groups are collecting water from individual wells and also from the water storage tanks in the areas. Meanwhile, it is learnt that the Kerala Water Authority has given sanction to collect water from 13 storage tanks of JICA project for tanker water supply and it will be implemented in two weeks time.
In Kottooli, one of the main areas facing acute shortage, the people have formed a collective to supply water. "We are distributing over 20,000 litres of water using two tankers without any aid from the government but with the help of residents. It is not happening at one particular ward, but portions of different wards are getting benefit out of it," said Kottooli councillor K.T Sushaj.
"People are co-operating wholeheartedly with the efforts and we are hoping we can distribute water in more areas in the coming days if we get access to JICA tanks," he added.
Despite there being storage tanks with enough water, many areas in the City are still facing acute shortage of drinking water due to the lack of connecting channels.
"Due to lack of pipelines from Poolakkadavu, many areas are facing difficulty. Since the Corporation cannot supply water in our own capacity due to the restrictions imposed due to the election, we are also helpless but the people are asking us for a solution," lamented Kozhikode Corporation Deputy Mayor Meera Darsak. Kommeri Councillor M.C Anil Kumar said that many areas were still awaiting administrative sanction for water supply.
Speaking to Deccan Chronicle, Kozhikode District Collector N Prasanath said that the water supply in the City will be full-fledged within two weeks time, once the tankers get access to the 13 water tanks of JICA. "At present we are taking water from three water tanks and supplying on demand. Designated officials will identify the area and supply it to the needy," he added.