Kerala's Rs 60 Crore Water Project Stalled for 16 Years, Leaving Thousands Parched
In Thiruvananthapuram, a critical Rs 60 crore drinking water project intended to serve residents of Anad and Nanniyode panchayats in Nedumangad taluk has been languishing in limbo for over 16 years. This prolonged delay has plunged thousands of families into severe water shortages, with many in high-range areas reporting a complete lack of drinking water supply for the past five days.
Project Overview and Current Status
The ambitious initiative, launched in 2009, was designed to draw water from the Vamanapuram River, purify it at a dedicated treatment plant, and distribute it to households across the two panchayats. According to officials from the Kerala Water Authority (KWA), the purification plant constructed near Thannimoodu has been completed but remains non-operational. Critical components such as power connections and machinery installation are still pending, preventing the plant from functioning.
Officials have also noted that the project's cost has escalated significantly over the years due to delays and logistical challenges. Pipeline laying work faced setbacks when the public works department denied permission for road cutting in certain stretches last year, further stalling progress.
Infrastructure Hurdles and Local Dependence
As part of the project, two overhead water tanks have already been constructed in Anad panchayat. In Nanniyode panchayat, land was identified for another water tank, but plans were halted when the site was found to be rocky and unsuitable for construction. This has compounded the water scarcity issue, forcing both panchayats to rely heavily on water from the Arampalli pond.
Residents have repeatedly highlighted that the pond's supply is insufficient to meet the needs of thousands of families, underscoring the urgent necessity to complete the long-pending project. The water crisis has not only affected households but also disrupted local businesses and small establishments, exacerbating economic strain in the area.
Local Leadership and Alternative Efforts
Anad gram panchayat president N Sreekala emphasized that the panchayat has proactively purchased land at Kaithakkad and constructed overhead tanks at Elavattom on panchayat land, which were subsequently handed over to KWA. She stated, "The drinking water crisis will be resolved only when the Anad–Nandiyodu project becomes operational. The project should be expedited."
In a parallel development, works under the Jal Jeevan Mission to provide household water connections in the area have been completed by approximately 90%. However, this progress has not alleviated the core issue of water supply, as the primary project remains stalled.
Broader Implications and Call to Action
The situation highlights a critical gap in infrastructure development and public service delivery in Kerala. With the project's completion delayed indefinitely, residents continue to face daily hardships, raising questions about administrative efficiency and resource allocation. The community's reliance on an inadequate water source underscores the pressing need for swift action to operationalize the purification plant and associated infrastructure.
As officials grapple with technical and bureaucratic hurdles, the plight of thousands of families serves as a stark reminder of the human cost of stalled development projects. The resolution of this crisis hinges on coordinated efforts between local authorities, KWA, and state agencies to overcome remaining obstacles and finally bring relief to the water-starved panchayats.
