Delay in sanction for new tank at Thammanam likely to worsen water crisis in Kochi

The delay in sanctioning the proposed new tank at Thammanam could further exacerbate the city’s water crisis. The partial collapse of the twin-chambered tank at Thammanam on November 10, 2025, has already worsened the situation, severely affecting tail-end areas. The Kerala Water Authority (KWA) had earlier submitted the design for a new 35-lakh-litre tank at Thammanam to address the shortage, but, according to sources, the proposal is still awaiting administrative sanction.

Albert Ambalathingal, councillor, Division 22, Pachalam, said the water scarcity was more pronounced in the Pachalam–Vaduthala areas. Around 200 families in his ward alone were struggling, with no water supply on some days. The affected localities include Anglo Indian School Road, areas near Kattunkal Temple, Pachalam overbridge, Janatha Colony, Pottakuzhi Road, and SRM Road.

“We try to arrange water tankers, but they are not available every day. The shortage we experienced earlier worsened after the partial collapse of the Thammanam tank. No amount of talks has yielded results, and we are planning protests as our next course of action,” Mr. Ambalathingal said.

Jismy Jerald, councillor of Division 23, Vaduthala West, said that despite meetings and assurances, several areas in her ward were facing acute water shortage. “We are relying on tanker lorries for now, but this is not a permanent solution. Some areas that faced shortages earlier saw the situation worsen after the collapse of the tank. We were assured of relief after the commissioning of the Kaloor tank. It has been four days since the tank became operational, but it has not helped,” Ms. Jerald said. The affected areas in the division include Janakeeya Road, Kotheri Road, and Rajiv Gandhi Lane, among others.

According to sources in the KWA, the shortage caused by the partial collapse of the Thammanam tank worsens during summer. “Based on the advice of the expert committee that studied the tank, it was decided not to proceed with restoring the collapsed portion. Instead, setting up a new tank was considered the ideal solution. We are still awaiting sanction, and the delay can only worsen the situation,” a KWA source said.

In all likelihood, it will take close to a year to build a new tank, including the tendering period and other procedures. “The proposal was submitted back in November, and we have already lost a few months,” the source added.

Meanwhile, the State Human Rights Commission (SHRC) has directed the Kerala Water Authority (KWA) to submit a report on the measures planned to address the water shortage during the summer months. SHRC Chairperson Justice Alexander Thomas urged the KWA to take precautionary steps in view of the likelihood of Kochi facing a water crisis in summer. The Commission registered the case suo motu based on a newspaper report and also directed the KWA Chief Engineer to assess the steps being taken by utility officials and submit a report within a month.