Water availability is set to emerge as a major electoral issue for the people of Poonithura in the Thrikkakara Assembly constituency. The region has long faced severe water shortages, and locals say solving the drinking water crisis and ensuring uninterrupted water supply will be their top demands this time around.
Residents of Poonithur had earlier staged protests to bring the matter to the attention of the authorities. Achuthankutty K., a resident of Poonithura Kottaram Sree Krishna Temple Road and president of the Vikram Sarabhai Residents’ Association, says several areas in Poonithura are not getting water and it will be a major election issue.
The worst affected localities are on the south side of Poonithur. The affected regions include Ayyankali Road, Jawahar Road, Subrahmanya Temple Road and Mukkottil Temple Road. As many as 700 families in Poonithura have been affected by the acute drinking water crisis, according to residents.
“Residents are likely to look for steps to address the water crisis and mosquito menace. The issues will be discussed with all political parties,” says Mr. Achuthankutty.
R. Sankaranaryanan, a resident of Cherukottaram Road near Gandhi Square, says that around the time of the local body elections, water supply has improved slightly in the locality.
“The main problem is poor pumping pressure. The water is reaching up to Petta with sufficient force, but the pipeline leading to our area is old and the pressure is dropping significantly. As a result, we are not getting enough water,” says Mr. Narayanan.
VP Chandran, councilor representing Vyttila in Kochi Corporation, says the ball has been set in motion to provide a new connection from the Petta pump line to the Poonithura pipeline, which could go some way to solving the problem.
“Kerala Water Authority is required to give a bond to the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) for repairs. Funds have to be released and only after the deposit is received, NHAI gives permission and repairs can be carried out,” says Mr. Chandran.
Published – 21 Mar 2026 02:11 IST
