₹3.86 Crore Sanctioned to Rebuild Water Tanks at Key Sabarimala Pilgrim Routes
Ranni: The Kerala Water Resources Department has sanctioned ₹3.86 crore for the reconstruction of drinking-water tanks at Appachimedu, Neelimala Top and Neelimala Bottom, ahead of the upcoming Sabarimala pilgrimage season.
The decision was taken after Ranni MLA Pazhakulam Madhu highlighted concerns over the poor condition of drinking-water infrastructure at key locations used by Sabarimala pilgrims. Water Resources Minister Mons Joseph directed the Chief Engineer to immediately allocate the required funds for rebuilding the unsafe tanks.
The move comes as authorities step up preparations to ensure adequate drinking-water facilities for the large number of pilgrims expected at Sabarimala during the pilgrimage season.
The minister also directed officials to conduct a detailed review of drinking-water projects that have been delayed in various parts of the Ranni constituency, including Pazhavangadi, Mallappally, Kottangal and Perumpara. The contractor of the Hyderabad-based Strefa company, which has undertaken several of these projects, will be called for a review in the presence of the Chief Engineer.
Officials have also been asked to examine the feasibility of supplying water to Vadasserikkara and Vechoochira panchayats from the Maniyar aqueduct and submit a report. Urgent repairs to the existing pump house at Vadasserikkara have also been ordered.
The MLA pointed out that drinking-water supply in several areas, including Kottangal Kunnaloni, Perunad, Attathode and Manjathode, remains a concern. He said the use of old, narrow-diameter pipelines has resulted in water taking up to 18 hours to reach the tank under the Malampara scheme.
He also alleged that work on projects undertaken by Strefa has been delayed despite pipes having already been procured. The minister assured that steps would be taken to complete the pending works on an urgent basis.
Special Meeting at Pampa
The minister said the progress of drinking-water projects would be reviewed again by the end of September. A special meeting will also be held at Pampa to directly assess drinking-water-related issues in Ranni and Sabarimala.
The meeting is expected to focus particularly on ensuring that the water-supply infrastructure along the Sabarimala pilgrimage routes is ready before the arrival of the peak pilgrim rush.
The decisions were taken at a review meeting chaired by Water Resources Minister Mons Joseph to assess the progress of drinking-water projects in the Ranni constituency.