Thiruvananthapuram: Residents living along the coastal stretch from Pozhiyoor to Anchuthengu continue to face an acute drinking water crisis, even as the monsoon arrives with heavy rains lashing the district. The shortage, which typically peaks during summer, has shown no signs of easing, triggering widespread concern among fisherfolk communities and local residents across the coastal belt.Coastal panchayats, including Kulathoor, Karumkulam, Anchuthengu, and Poovar are grappling with severe potable water scarcity. Several coastal areas within the city corporation limits are facing similar difficulties, residents say.In many fishing hamlets, people are forced to travel long distances carrying pots and buckets to collect water from public taps, temporary pipelines, and tanker supply points. In several localities, residents queue up for hours during early morning and late at night just to collect enough water for cooking and basic household needs.Locals allege that irregular supply from the Kerala Water Authority (KWA), combined with crumbling distribution infrastructure and saline intrusion into groundwater, has worsened the situation. Many wells in the region have become unusable due to saltwater contamination, leaving families entirely dependent on public water supply systems.Anitha Joy, a resident of Anchuthengu, said the situation remains critical despite the onset of rains. “Even after the monsoon started, there has been no improvement. People are still standing in queues carrying pots to collect water from public taps. The panchayat launched two drinking water projects, but neither has been implemented properly. Compared to nearby panchayats, Anchuthengu is far worse off,” she said.Selvori S, a panchayat member from the Pozhiyoor–Poovar coastal region, said temporary arrangements are being made in some areas. “Water is being distributed through churches and local support systems in certain coastal wards. But there is still no permanent solution,” he said.Jophy Joseph, a field action coordinator from Kulathoor panchayat, described the situation as alarming. “There are no adequate basic facilities in many coastal areas. From Pozhiyoor, one of the southernmost coastal regions in the district, to Kulathoor, Karumkulam, and Poovar, the crisis remains severe,” he said.The problem is not confined to rural villages. Urban coastal areas under the city corporation are equally affected. “Even after the monsoon started, there has been no improvement. Women and elderly people stand in long queues carrying pots just to get a few litres of water,” said Johny T, a resident of Poonthura.Local representatives have repeatedly raised the issue with govt departments and the KWA, demanding comprehensive water projects, replacement of ageing pipelines, and expanded supply networks. While tanker supply and additional pipelines have been introduced as stopgap measures, residents say these have failed to provide lasting relief.District Collector Anu Kumari told TOI she would look into the matter and resolve it at the earliest.
