Thiruvananthapuram: With just a few days for the much-anticipated Attukal Pongala festival on March 3, the city is grappling with a severe drinking water shortage.The crisis was triggered by a combination of early summer heat, pipeline leakages and ongoing technical issues at Aruvikkara water treatment plant, which is the city’s principal source of potable water. These problems led to major disruptions in regular pipeline distribution, leaving many areas in the city, including Akkulam, Vazhuthacaud, Kazhakkoottam and Thampanoor, with minimal or no supply for days.Speaking to the media on Wednesday, mayor V V Rajesh acknowledged that the civic body’s capacity to resolve the crisis on its own was limited and pointed to Kerala Water Authority (KWA) as the principal agency responsible for supply and treatment operations at Aruvikkara Dam. Nonetheless, the corporation took on added responsibilities, dispatching plumbers to fix leaks across the city’s distribution network at its own expense to mitigate disruption, he said.Rajesh said 60 water tankers would be mobilised before Pongala across the 101 wards to supply drinking water to those facing shortages. He announced that 10,000-litre tankers would service larger wards like Sasthamangalam and Kowdiar, while smaller vehicles would cater to outlying wards. The water sources for these tankers were organised at key collection points, including Vellayambalam, PTP Nagar and Iranimuttam.The escalating crisis also sparked political controversy. BJP also sharply criticised state govt for failing to ensure consistent water access for residents, intensifying pressure on authorities just days before a major public congregation.In coordination with civic efforts, multiple departments have stepped up preparations for Pongala. Besides water supply measures, health services, sanitation work, mobile toilets and special transport arrangements are being put in place to handle the anticipated surge of devotees, sources said.Collector reviews Pongala preparationsDistrict collector Anu Kumari chaired a review meeting to assess the preparations for Pongala. The meeting focused on ensuring that essential civic facilities, including drinking water, are in place ahead of the large gathering of devotees expected for the annual event. The collector ordered officials concerned to urgently resolve issues related to drinking water supply, drainage and road conditions in key wards, including Attukal, Thampanoor, Kunnukuzhy, Manacaud, Perunthanni and Arannoor.Emphasising the need for coordinated action, Kumari instructed departments to complete pending works without delay to avoid inconvenience to residents and pilgrims. The district administration said arrangements were being closely monitored to ensure the smooth conduct of the festival.
