The Kerala Water Authority (KWA) has successfully addressed the acute drinking water shortage that plagued the Chakkaraparambu area for over a week, following the detection and repair of a major leak in the main water pipeline. This critical intervention by KWA highlights the ongoing infrastructural challenges faced in maintaining a consistent water supply in urban areas, especially in regions that are at the tail end of supply lines.
The water crisis in Chakkaraparambu arose from a significant leak in a pipeline that runs beneath a canal, which was only discovered after a thorough inspection. KWA officials worked diligently over several days to pinpoint the exact location of the leak, which had been exacerbating the water supply issues in the area. According to a KWA representative, “Identifying the leak was a meticulous process that took several days of continuous efforts.”
Once the leak was located, the repair work commenced immediately. However, restoring normal water supply took an additional three days, as the system needed to be stabilised and the pipeline pressure normalised. Local councillor of Chakkaraparambu noted, “Given that our area is at the tail-end of the KWA supply line, any disruption in supply takes longer to rectify. Residents had to endure a longer wait for the water flow to return to normal levels.” The councillor further highlighted the persistent issue of leaks due to the ageing infrastructure, specifically the old asbestos concrete (AC) pipes, which are prone to frequent bursts and leaks. “The primary cause of these leaks is the outdated AC pipes. We have included a project under the Amrut scheme to replace these old pipes with more durable and modern alternatives. This initiative, once implemented, is expected to provide a more permanent solution to the recurring leakage problems and ensure a stable water supply,” the councillor added.
The Amrut scheme, a government initiative aimed at urban renewal and infrastructure development, provides a framework for addressing such infrastructural deficiencies. The replacement of old pipelines with new, robust materials is crucial to safeguarding against future disruptions in water supply and improving the quality of life for residents. The recent crisis in Chakkaraparambu serves as a stark reminder of the need for continued investment in infrastructure and proactive maintenance. While the immediate crisis has been averted, long-term solutions are imperative to prevent such occurrences in the future. With the implementation of the pipeline replacement project under the Amrut scheme, residents can look forward to a more reliable water supply and fewer disruptions in the coming years.
