THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Residents and IT professionals in Kazhakkoottam and Technopark are currently facing a severe drinking water shortage. Many rely on tanker supplies as summer intensifies, with around 50 tanker lorries deployed to meet the demands of Technopark, which accommodates nearly 490 companies. Phases I and III of the park are particularly hard hit.
The crisis is not limited to Technopark; approximately 20 wards in the Kazhakkoottam region are experiencing acute shortages. Residents report erratic and unreliable water supply, forcing them to seek alternatives.
Priya George, an employee at a Technopark-based multinational company in Phase 1, described the situation as unbearable in local residential areas and PG accommodations.
“The water shortage has gotten so bad that staying here is becoming difficult. Whenever there’s a disruption, we have to rely on friends or move out temporarily. This is impacting our daily routines and peace of mind. I’m considering relocating if things don’t improve soon.”
Intern Vignesh Venu, also a local, echoed her concerns, noting that the issue has persisted for weeks despite repeated complaints.
“We get water supply briefly after complaints, but it stops shortly after. There’s no reliability. We have to rely on tanker water, which is neither dependable nor cost-effective long-term.”
According to officials from the Kerala Water Authority (KWA), the crisis stems from persistent problems in the aging supply network from Aruvikkara, compounded by frequent pipe bursts and leaks en route to Kazhakkoottam. These disruptions significantly hinder regular distribution to residential areas and Technopark.
Kazhakkoottam councillor S Prasanth mentioned that emergency measures are being taken to address the situation.
“Water tankers have been deployed to all areas experiencing supply issues. We are striving to ensure no region is completely deprived. Additionally, several local wells have been cleaned and restored, and water from these sources is being distributed to affected areas to alleviate the crisis.”
KWA officials also noted a long-term solution is underway to replace old pipelines. A ₹68 crore pipeline project, aimed at strengthening water supply to Technopark, was initiated last year.
“The project involves laying a 900mm pipeline, and work is progressing along the Sreekaryam-Pangappara stretch. Construction is conducted at night due to heavy traffic. This project is vital to stabilizing water supply, and we anticipate completion within six months,” stated a KWA official.
