Six-week deadline set to install central valve in Kazhakoottam amid water crisis

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Human Rights Commission Chairperson Justice Alexander Thomas has directed that a central valve be installed in the Kazhakkoottam ward within six weeks to address the severe drinking water shortage in the ward. The valve should be designed so that it can be opened and closed easily from a central point. The directive was given to the Assistant Executive Engineer of the Kerala Water Authority office in Pongummoodu.

The order came after a complaint stating that residents of the Kazhakkoottam ward frequently face sudden disruptions in the drinking water supply. According to the complaint, pipelines are often damaged during the ongoing construction work on the National Highway, leading to unexpected water cuts. The Assistant Executive Engineer informed the Commission that the contract company responsible for the highway construction is also responsible for repairing the damaged pipelines. The report also said that the leaks happen unexpectedly and that the issues would be permanently resolved once the new pipelines are commissioned.

However, the complainant, Kazhakkoottam native G Sreekumaran Nair, informed the Commission that installing a central valve in the area would allow authorities to easily shut off or restore water supply when required. He said this would help manage and reduce the drinking water shortage. The Commission then asked the Assistant Executive Engineer to conduct a site inspection in the presence of the municipal councillor and examine the possibility of installing the valve.

Later, during the hearing, the engineer informed the Commission that a site inspection had already been conducted with officials from the National Highways Authority of India. He also said that instructions had been given to the contractor to install the valve. The engineer assured that the valve would be installed as soon as the construction materials arrive. Following this, Justice Alexander Thomas granted six weeks for the installation of the valve.