Poonithura Residents Ramp Up Water Crisis Protest Against Kerala Authorities
The residents of Poonithura in Kochi have declared a significant escalation in their ongoing protest against what they describe as the negligent and lackadaisical attitude of the authorities in addressing the severe water shortage plaguing their area. This decision follows years of persistent issues and unfulfilled promises, culminating in a public demonstration staged directly in front of the Kerala Water Authority (KWA) office this past Friday.
Decades of Neglect and Unresolved Petitions
The water crisis in Poonithura is not a new development. As V P Chandran, the councillor representing Vyttila, explained, the area, situated at the southern extremity of the Kochi Corporation, has historically faced chronic water supply problems. "Despite submitting numerous petitions at both the official and ministerial levels over many years, no concrete or lasting solution has ever been implemented. This continuous administrative failure is what ultimately forced us to take our grievances to the streets in protest," Chandran stated emphatically.
The situation reached a critical tipping point after a major infrastructure failure in November, when one of the crucial water tanks located in Thammanam collapsed. This incident severely exacerbated the existing supply issues, leaving many households without reliable access to potable water.
Broken Promises and Failed Commitments
In a bid to address the escalating crisis, District Collector G Priyanka convened a high-level meeting last month. This gathering included senior KWA officials, local councillors, and representatives from the affected resident communities. The primary agenda was to discuss and formulate immediate and effective measures to permanently resolve the water woes.
During this meeting, a firm commitment was made. All parties agreed to systematically sort out the underlying issues and, critically, to ensure the provision of adequate and consistent water supply to Poonithura within a strict timeframe of two weeks. However, this promise has proven to be entirely futile.
"The assurance of providing adequate water within a fortnight was also broken. It has become just another in a long line of empty commitments from the authorities," Councillor Chandran lamented. He further proposed a viable technical solution, noting, "Establishing a direct water interconnection from Maradu, a neighboring area where water supply is continuous and uninterrupted, could effectively and efficiently solve the chronic water shortage problem in Poonithura."
A Community United in Demand for Action
The decision to intensify the protest reflects a deep-seated frustration and a collective resolve among Poonithura residents. They are no longer willing to accept bureaucratic delays and unfulfilled assurances. The protest at the KWA office serves as a powerful public reminder of their plight and a direct challenge to the authorities to finally honor their responsibilities.
The community's core demands are clear:
- Immediate restoration of reliable, daily water supply.
- Implementation of the proposed interconnection from Maradu as a permanent fix.
- Transparent and accountable action from the Kerala Water Authority and district administration.
- A definitive timeline for the complete resolution of the infrastructure issues causing the shortage.
As the protest gains momentum, all eyes are now on the Kerala state authorities and the KWA to see if they will finally move beyond meetings and promises to deliver tangible, life-changing results for the citizens of Poonithura.
