The local people are angry over the failure of the Chitturpuzha irrigation authorities for their alleged failure to fill the tanks and canals for the Konganpada festival of the area.
The festival is a major celebration surrounding the Chittur Bhagavathy temple to commemorate the victory of the people of Chittur against the invading army from Pandinadu (present Tamil Nadu) centuries ago.
During the festival, water from the Chitturpuzha irrigation scheme, a part of the inter-State Parambikulam-Aliyar Project, used to be released through the Thempara canal to Chittur town and to the seven ponds in the area.