THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: A holiday has been declared for educational institutions including professional colleges in the Thiruvananthapuram corporation limits tomorrow (Monday) as the drinking water problem continues to be acute in the capital city. Minister V Sivankutty had said that he has directed the collector to take an appropriate decision in the matter of schools within the corporation limits. The move by the authorities comes at a time when it is not known when the drinking water problem will be solved. Giving a holiday when the Onam exams are going on has also created a crisis.

Earlier, it was informed that the water problem would be resolved by the evening but the issue could not be resolved even after nightfall. Minister V Sivankutty says that another hour and a half is needed. At the same time, the pipe replacement is approaching the final stage. A solution has not been found even today to the shortage of water that has been going on for three days. Partial pumping started this morning but had to be stopped after a leak was found in the valve. Laying of pipes has not been completed. Minister V Sivankutty had assured yesterday that water would be supplied to low-lying areas before noon today. People are protesting in many places due to the shortage of water.