Kerala Human Rights Commission Intervenes for Festival Water Supply
With the massive Attukal Pongala festival just days away, the Kerala State Human Rights Commission (SHRC) has issued urgent directives to address critical drinking water shortages in the Manacaud area of Thiruvananthapuram. The commission's chairperson, Justice Alexander Thomas, has specifically called upon the assistant executive engineer of Kuriathy to take immediate action to restore reliable water supply before thousands of devotees descend upon the region.
Commission's Directives and Timeline
The SHRC has mandated that the Kerala Water Authority's assistant executive engineer submit a comprehensive report detailing the water supply situation and restoration plans by March 15. This deadline falls strategically before the peak of festival activities, ensuring authorities have a clear action plan to implement. The commission emphasized that the drinking water crisis in Manacaud requires prompt resolution given the imminent influx of festival participants.
Residents' Long-Standing Complaints
The intervention follows a formal complaint filed by the Manacaud Residents Association, which documented severe and prolonged disruptions to the area's drinking water supply. According to association members, water services have been unjustly interrupted for approximately three months, with frequent stoppages occurring without any prior notification to residents. The supply has been so inconsistent that water is typically available only during nighttime hours, and even then only on an occasional basis.
Residents described how the unreliable water situation has created significant hardship for the local community, particularly as they prepare to host thousands of Attukal Pongala attendees. The festival, one of the largest annual gatherings of women in the world, places extraordinary demands on local infrastructure, making reliable water access absolutely essential for both residents and visitors.
Broader Implications and Responsibilities
The SHRC's intervention highlights the intersection of human rights, public health, and cultural preservation. Access to clean drinking water represents a fundamental right that becomes particularly crucial during large-scale public events. The commission's directive places responsibility squarely on the Kerala Water Authority to demonstrate accountability and implement sustainable solutions.
As preparations for Attukal Pongala intensify across Thiruvananthapuram, all eyes will be on water authority officials to fulfill their obligations. The successful restoration of water services in Manacaud will not only address immediate human rights concerns but also ensure the smooth functioning of one of Kerala's most significant cultural and religious celebrations.
