Water level at Peechi reservoir dismally low

Severe drinking water shortage awaits Thrissur city

In the near absence of both monsoons, severe drought is awaiting Thrissur city. With temperature increasing day by day, the water level in the Peechi reservoir, the main drinking water source for the city and the neighbouring panchayats, has recorded an alarming low.

If there is no further rainfall, the drinking water distribution will be disrupted soon, according to Kerala Water Authority (KWA) sources.

The maximum water level of the Peechi reservoir is 79 m. Now the reservoir has only 71 m of water. The water level in the corresponding period during last year was 77.28 m.

Thrissur Corporation, Kolazhy, Killannur, Mulangunnathukavu, Arimbur, Venkidangu, and Manalur panchayats depend on the reservoir for their drinking water needs. Farming activities in Thrissur and neighbouring areas also heavily depend on the Peechi water.

Around 5.2 crore litre water is distributed from Peechi daily.

Out of this, 2 per cent of water is given to Pananchery panchayat, where the dam is situated.

Water supply from Peechi through the Valathukara and Edathukara canals recharges the waterbodies on their banks. Farming in these areas has been hit.

There is an alarming decline of the water level in the Vazhani and Chimmini dams too.