With water in the Peppara dam drying up at a fast rate, the State government has commenced efforts to explore the possibility of drawing water from the Neyyar dam to cater to the needs of Thiruvananthapuram city.
Water Resources Minister Mathew T. Thomas led a team of senior officials during a visit to the Neyyar reservoir and the catchment area at Kappukadu, near Kottur, on Tuesday to weigh various options to tide over the prevailing crisis.
While the existing curbs were estimated to ensure water supply until May 22, the authorities remained at a loss over alternative options after that point.
“Despite summer rains being witnessed in some places, the catchment areas of the Peppara and Neyyar dams have not received significant collection of water. Moreover, the water levels at the reservoirs receded at a rate faster than expected. We are amidst the worst water crisis in 120 years,” Mr. Thomas pointed out, while interacting with reporters during the visit.
He added that Thiruvananthapuram faced the most severe shortage in the State currently. The districts of Malappuram, Palakkad and Kasaragod were in the throes of a similar situation. He also pointed out that Ernakulam district has sufficient availability at the source points of water supply schemes. Water was also being supplied through tankers there.
The Neyyar dam, currently, has a water level of 74.45 metres, against its maximum capacity of 84.75 metres. The level in the reservoir a year ago stood at nearly 83 metres. The current availability of water is 13 million cubic metres.
“Despite the quantity being significantly lower that the corresponding stage a year ago, we are studying the feasibility of bringing water from Neyyar to the treatment plant at Aruvikkara for further supply to the city. At the same time, the water requirement of people in the region will also have to be considered while evolving a solution for the city in this regard,” the Minister said.
According to a proposal that is being considered, water will be pumped from the catchment area at Kappukadu for a distance of 1.5 km using a floating pump or through a specially-erected platform, following which the supply will be diverted to the Aniyilkadavu region through channels for a distance of around 7.5 km. Officials, however, pointed out the possibility of a great deal of conveyance loss through seepage while diverting water through canals. The sanction of the Forest and Wildlife Department will be required for the purpose.
While the water had been supplied from the Neyyar dam to the Aruvikkara reservoir back in 1983, the pipes that were laid down are unfit for use at present.
The situation left the government with no option, but to build the necessary infrastructure from scratch within a short period to realise the proposal.
“While financial burden for the purpose could not be seen as a constraint, there remained concerns on whether such steps would attain the intended goals in an effective manner. A decision will be taken after assessing the practical difficulties associated with the proposal,” Mr. Thomas said.
C.K. Hareendran, MLA, Water Resources Secretary Tinku Biswal, Kerala Water Authority managing director A. Shainamol, technical member T. Raveendran, chief engineer (south) G. Sreekumar, Irrigation department chief engineering projects II K.A. Joshy and Kerala Engineering Research Institute director A. Udayakumar were among those who were present during the visit.
