THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Kerala government’s drinking water, Hilly Aqua, is not able to get market even though its price is Rs.15 for 1 liter of drinking water. It must be noted that private players charge Rs.20 for 1 liter of drinking water. The retailers are reluctant to take Hilly Aqua because it is less than Rs.5.

This government drinking water is manufactured at Aruvikara in Thiruvananthapuram and Thodupuzha in Idukki district. The packaged drinking water is sold only at the factory outlets. They have no other outlets on their own in any other place.

While private players attract sellers with many benefits, the manufacturers of Hilly Aqua, Kerala Irrigation Infrastructure Development Corporation (KIIDC) under the Department of Water Resource is doing nothing. Earlier the government had reduced the price of drinking water to Rs.13. When this order was stayed by the High Court, private players increased it to Rs.20. The price of the government’s Hilly Aqua increased to Rs.15.

KIIDC has begun the process to increase the manufacture and sale of Hilly Aqua. The plant at Thodupuzha began seven years ago. The plant at Aruvikara started only last year. Manufacturing is from 6 am to 8 pm. There is a plan to increase the production during Sabarimala pilgrimage.

Though there is a government order to use Hilly Aqua in governmental meetings and in public institutions. However, this guideline is not followed. The packaged drinking water produced at Aruvikara is being distributed in Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, and Alappuzha. The plant at Thodupuzha supplies Ernakulam, Kottayam, and Thrissur districts. Another plant will be established in Kozhikode district with a budget of Rs.17 crores