Sabarimala Water Supply: KWA Directed to Complete Key Works Ahead of Pilgrimage Season
Pathanamthitta: The Kerala Water Authority (KWA) has been directed to complete key water-supply and pipeline works ahead of the upcoming Sabarimala Mandala -Makaravilakku Mahotsavam. The directions were issued at a meeting chaired by the Devaswom Minister on Friday as part of the preparations for the pilgrimage season.
The information was shared by R.V.S., Superintending Engineer, KWA, Pathanamthitta, who represented the authority at the meeting.
The KWA was directed to rectify all leaks in the water distribution network and ensure proper restoration of roads after the completion of pipeline works. The authority was also asked to complete the shifting of the 100-metre MS pipeline at Seethathode–Valuppara by September 15.
A key decision taken at the meeting was to continue with the piped water distribution system for the pilgrimage season. As in the previous year, there will be no need to arrange drinking water supply through tanker lorries, with the entire water requirement expected to be met through the piped network.
The functioning of the NABL-accredited laboratory will also be strengthened to ensure effective water quality testing during the pilgrimage season.
The KWA has sought an advance deposit of ₹64 lakh from the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) for deposit works. Meanwhile, the TDB's outstanding drinking water dues to the KWA currently stand at ₹1.12 crore.
The meeting stressed KWA’s role in providing reliable water supply during the Sabarimala pilgrimage season.