Thiruvananthapuram Mayor Appeals for Ministerial Intervention Amid Severe Water Crisis
Thiruvananthapuram Mayor V V Rajesh has urgently called upon Water Resources Minister Roshy Augustine to address the severe water distribution crisis affecting the state capital. In a formal letter dated Sunday, the mayor highlighted the acute drinking water shortage that has plagued several parts of the city for over ten consecutive days.
Residents Face Growing Distress as Temperatures Rise
The disruption in water distribution has caused considerable hardship for residents, with the situation worsening as temperatures begin to climb ahead of the peak summer season. According to Mayor Rajesh, numerous households are struggling to access potable water, forcing them to rely on limited tanker services that are insufficient to meet demand.
Complaints have mounted from various municipal wards regarding irregular supply and inadequate distribution mechanisms, creating a public health concern. The mayor specifically urged Minister Augustine to direct the Kerala Water Authority (KWA) to implement immediate corrective measures to ensure sufficient and uninterrupted water supply throughout the city.
Corporation and KWA Response to the Crisis
Rajesh also called for steps to strengthen distribution infrastructure and augment tanker services in areas where they are most needed. In response, the KWA claimed it had issued comprehensive directions to maintain an uninterrupted drinking water supply, though residents report ongoing issues.
The Thiruvananthapuram Corporation has mobilized an additional 60 water tankers, supplementing the 107 tankers already operating across various wards. A 24-hour control room has been established to coordinate emergency response efforts, but challenges persist.
Public Frustration Mounts with Long Queues and Pending Requests
The water crisis has sparked significant public frustration, with long queues forming for water tanker bookings through the Smart Trivandrum app. Corporation officials report hundreds of pending delivery requests, indicating that current measures are insufficient to address the scale of the shortage.
Areas including Manacaud, Vazhuthacaud, Kazhakkoottam, and Thampanoor are among the worst affected, with residents experiencing severe disruptions in their daily water access. The situation underscores the urgent need for systemic improvements in water distribution and management in the state capital.
