Residents of Chappath in Kerala’s Kanjiramkulam region are facing an acute drinking water crisis as their piped water supply has been disrupted for several weeks, severely affecting daily life and basic hygiene. The prolonged shortage has left many households without adequate water, forcing families to seek alternatives and cope with mounting hardship.
According to local reports, the disruption stems from motor failures at the Valavunada and Moolakkara pump houses, key points in the distribution network managed by the Kerala Water Authority (KWA). While KWA officials say the faulty motor has now been repaired and water supply is expected to resume soon, residents remain unconvinced due to the prolonged nature of the problem and recurring breakdowns.
Locals allege that poor maintenance and the use of low-quality repair materials have contributed to frequent motor and pipeline failures, pointing to a pattern of negligence that has worsened the situation. Many households in Chappath depend entirely on piped water, and the prolonged cut has affected daily tasks like cooking, cleaning and bathing.
Repeated complaints to authorities, residents say, have largely gone unanswered, prompting frustration and anger within the community. Some groups are now preparing to stage protests if the water supply is not restored promptly and reliably.
The crisis highlights broader water supply challenges in Kerala, where infrastructure issues and maintenance backlogs have caused disruptions in various areas in recent months. In neighbouring regions, similar water shortages and clashes over supply allocations have been reported, reflecting growing strain on local water systems and governance.
For now, while KWA’s assurance of a quick restoration offers some hope, Chappath residents remain on edge, wary of further interruptions and calling for more transparent communication and durable solutions to secure their water needs.
News as reported
