With pumping resuming at the Thammanam water storage tank through its functional Chamber 2, the Kerala Water Authority (KWA) authorities are now assessing the structural integrity of Chamber 1, the one that burst, as they plan its redesign. Plans are afoot to reinforce both the structure and foundation to prevent future issues.
The sidewall of one of the chambers of the twin-chambered water storage tank had collapsed recently. The tank, which has a capacity of 1.35 crore litres, was commissioned in 1985. It partially collapsed after the foundation sank into the soil.
The damaged sidewall is being dismantled. According to the KWA, retaining the damaged wall poses a safety risk, so it will be removed, and a new wall will be constructed to integrate with the existing structure. Additionally, thorough inspections will be conducted to check for any leaks or cracks inside the chamber.
The KWA said it was finalising the design for the renovation of the tank. The plan includes strengthening both the tank and its foundation. In response to the risk of soil erosion, soil stabilisation will be carried out through injection of lime or cement slurry grouting.
“As the structure is old, strengthening measures are necessary. Since the water load is evenly distributed rather than concentrated at a single point, as in the case of a multi-storey building, soil stabilisation can be implemented. This is the design currently under consideration, but we need to assess its effectiveness,” said a KWA source. The design will be implemented if it receives approval from the high-level committee formed after the accident.
Published – November 20, 2025 09:42 pm IST
