Summer has begun to take its toll on the water situation in the district, drying up wells and streams in the hilly areas of the district.
Ranni, Konni, Mallappally, Adoor, and Kozhencherry taluks are facing acute water scarcity.
The few summer showers received in the past one week have failed to recharge the wells in the areas.
Even wells on the banks of the rivers Pampa, Manimala, and Achencoil have turned dry owing to the drastic depletion of groundwater.
Restoration of the once-perennial wells is a common scene in many parts of the district.
With the water level going down along many river stretches, the Kerala Water Authority (KWA) has been forced to regulate the water supply, especially to rural reaches.
People queuing up with pots before the KWA water taps is a common sight in many villages.
The situation is no different in the municipal limits of Pathanamthitta and Adoor. Kumbazha, Anappara, and Chuttippara areas have been reeling under water scarcity. Workers of the Left Democratic Front (LDF) have staged a march to the municipal office in the town, demanding uninterrupted drinking water supply in the municipal areas.
Oonnukallu, Koodal, Pramadom, Kottangal, Attachakkal, Elakkulam, Manneera, Thekkuthode, Thanithode, Perinad, Seethathode, Chittar, Kalanjoor, Kaviyur, Attathode, Sayippinkuzhy, and Adichippuzha are also facing severe water scarcity.
Private operators have started supplying water collected in tanker lorries from various rivers and ponds in many areas at a hefty price.
The Upper Kuttanad villages that always remain surrounded by water too have been craving for potable water.
Whether it is summer or monsoon, the KWA waterlines that supply treated water twice a week have been the only source of drinking water to the families in the remote villages of Peringara, Kadapra, Nedumpram, Niranam, and Edathua.
They have now started fetching water on country boats from the mainland.
