T.J. Vinod, MLA, raises Kochi’s water scarcity issue in Keralam Assembly

Water Resources Minister Mons Joseph has said that an emergency meeting will be convened with MLAs and officials to address the severe drinking water shortage in Kochi. The Minister stated this in a submission in the Assembly while responding to a query from T.J. Vinod, MLA, according to a communication.

The Minister said he had received complaints regarding serious lapses in drinking water distribution at the official level and assured that strict action would be taken against the erring officials, a statement issued by Mr. Vinod said.

Mr. Vinod brought to the attention of the House that areas such as Chittoor, Vaduthala, Pachalam, Thattazham, Ayyappankavu, Elamakkara, Kaloor, P.T. Usha Road, and T.D. Road were experiencing acute drinking water shortage.

The MLA demanded that, along with finding an immediate solution to the crisis, lapses in water distribution be identified. Water supply issues following the collapse of the Thammanam tank was also raised, the MLA said.

Even after the collapse of one of the tank’s compartments, water distribution initially proceeded without major difficulties. However, drinking water shortage experienced in the city over the past three months is a cause for concern. Mr. Vinod demanded that the reason for the fall in water availability be identified immediately.

He further said that the Water Resources Minister had sought a report from officials on the lapses and that necessary action would be taken on the basis of the report.

The Minister said that administrative sanction of ₹523 crore for the 190 MLD water treatment plant in Aluva had also been granted. The project aims to improve water supply within the Kochi Corporation limits and in neighbouuring areas including Keezhmad, Edathala, Choornikkara, Njarakkal, Elamkunnapuzha, Mulavukad, Nayarambalam, Varapuzha, Cheranalloor, Kadungalloor, Chellanam, Kumbalangi, and Kadamakudy.