Residents of Pallimalakunnu, a hilly region in Kottuli village, on Monday took out a march to the office of the Kerala Water Authority (KWA) at Malaparamba and gheraoed the officials, including the executive engineer, in protest against non-availability of potable water in the region.
The protesters, who turned aggressive and locked horns with the police, alleged that the Kerala Water Authority (KWA) was not concerned about the sufferings of the people and was adopting a apathetic attitude towards their plight.
Women and children joined the protest, which had the support of various political parties and residents’ forums.
The protesters said water supply disruption in the region had been frequent during the past two years. According to the residents, the supply was totally stopped two months ago. “We took up the issue several times with the district and State-level authorities, but, the response was disappointing,” said a homemaker. She said the KWA officers do not even attend calls during emergency situations.
The protesters alleged that the proposed plan of KWA to dig bore-well as temporary relief had not worked out. A suggestion by the residents to build an open pond near Kalipoika to distribute water through the lift irrigation method to Pallimalakunnu too had received no response.
Pramod Kottuli, one of the leaders who coordinated the protest, said: “We will launch an indefinite protest campaign and the Corporation councillor from the region would begin a hunger strike in front of the KWA office next week.”
