Water crisis deepens Kazhakkoottam and Technopark

T'puram: A severe drinking water shortage in Kazhakkoottam and Technopark has disrupted daily life for residents and IT professionals, with many now relying on tanker supply for survival. With the onset of summer, around 50 tanker lorries are currently deployed to meet the needs of Technopark, which houses nearly 490 companies. Phases I and III of the park are reported to be the worst affected.The crisis extends beyond Technopark, with nearly 20 wards in Kazhakkoottam region facing acute shortages. Residents say supply remains erratic and unreliable, forcing many to seek alternatives. Priya George, an employee at a Technopark-based MNC in Phase 1, said the situation in residential areas and paying guest accommodations has become unbearable. "The water shortage has reached a point where continuing here is difficult. Whenever there is a disruption, we are left with no option but to depend on friends or move out temporarily. This is affecting our routine and peace of mind. I am seriously considering shifting my residence if the situation does not improve soon," she said. Echoing similar concerns, Vignesh Venu, an intern working at Technopark and a local, said the issue has persisted for weeks despite repeated complaints. "Water supply comes only briefly after we raise complaints, but it stops again within a short time. There is no consistency. We are forced to depend on tanker water, which is neither reliable nor affordable in the long run," he said. According to Kerala Water Authority (KWA) officials, the crisis is largely due to persistent issues in the ageing supply network from Aruvikkara, coupled with frequent pipe bursts and leakages along the route to Kazhakkoottam. These disruptions have severely affected regular distribution to both residential areas and Technopark. Meanwhile, Kazhakkoottam councillor S Prasanth said emergency measures are being taken to address the crisis. "Water tankers have been deployed in all areas where supply issues are persistent. We are trying to ensure that no region is left completely dry. In addition, several local wells have been cleaned and restored, and water from these sources is being distributed to shortage-hit areas to ease the situation," he said. KWA officials also pointed to a long-term solution currently under way to replace old pipelines. A Rs 68-crore pipeline project aimed at strengthening water supply to Technopark was launched last year. "The project involves laying a 900mm pipeline, and work is progressing along Sreekaryam-Pangappara stretch. Due to heavy traffic, construction can only be carried out at night. This project is crucial to stabilise water supply, and we expect completion within six months," a KWA official said.