A special protocol may be formulated to inspect the aging structures of the Kerala Water Authority (KWA) at regular intervals and strengthen them following the collapse of the water tank at Thammanam in Kochi Corporation on Monday (November 10, 2025).
Water Resources Minister Roshy Augustine said while the KWA already has a mechanism to check aging structures, another system could be put in place in view of the incident.
The partially collapsed tank, based on a composite plate design, was commissioned in 1985. The design used a structural engineering technique using a series of flat, interconnected plates to create a stronger structure capable of withstanding heavy loads without the support of additional beams.
“There were probably no outward signs of an impending collapse, which appears to have been the result of a sudden disaster. Such incidents are usually preceded by leaks and damp spots on the structure, which were likely absent in this case. Ideally, aging structures should be strengthened by retrofitting. All agencies, including the Public Works Department and KWA, must strictly adhere to the Indian Standard Building Codes.”
Although concrete structures such as the collapsed reservoir are expected to last up to 50 years, environmental factors and topography must be considered. For example, concrete may corrode faster in coastal areas like Kochi, sources added.
Residents said they raised concerns about the safety of the tank, which sits in the middle of a residential area, but authorities largely ignored their warnings. Joseph Sabu, a resident of Kulathungal Bava Road, where the collapse caused havoc, recalled at least two cases of overflow from the reservoir in the past, though the damage was not that severe.
Judith George, whose house is right next to the gas station and whose late husband lived in the area since the 1950s, said the compound wall of her house collapsed on more than one occasion due to overflow.
Published – 10 Nov 2025 20:40 IST
