Residents of an apartment complex in Kakkanad, Kochi, are facing a serious issue as petroleum has been detected in their well water. The discovery has prompted them to seek assistance from various government departments and agencies, including the Pollution Control Board (PCB), to determine the source of contamination.
Residents Raise Alarm
According to the residents of Skyline Palmtop, the problem first came to light in December 2025. The well, which was dug approximately 12 years ago, had been the primary source of drinking water for all 72 units in the complex. Georgekutty Kariyanappally, president of the Skyline Palmtop Owners Association, stated, "We first noticed the issue in December 2025. Although we lodged complaints with the district collector, PCB, and other agencies, no solution has been provided so far."
Impact on Daily Life
The contamination has forced residents to dig a new borewell about 15 meters away from the affected well to meet their daily water needs. The situation has caused significant inconvenience and concern among the residents, who suspect that a leak in pipelines operated by petroleum companies or chemical factories might be responsible for the petroleum presence in the water.
Calls for Action
The residents are urging the authorities to conduct a thorough investigation and take immediate remedial measures. They emphasize the need for a comprehensive assessment of the area's infrastructure to prevent future occurrences. The issue highlights the broader challenges of industrial pollution and its impact on residential communities in urban areas.
