Reports suggest that Left parties in Kerala controlled by CM Pinarayi Vijayan are preparing to disrupt the famous Attukal Pongala, the massive pilgrimage in the capital city that attracts nearly three million women pilgrims and is often called the ‘Women’s Sabarimala’. According to reports, plans are underway to block the city’s water supply, allegedly through Kerala Water Authority officials affiliated with CPM-controlled trade unions.
Suddenly, several parts of the city are already facing water shortages even as the Pongala of Attukal Devi Temple approaches on March 3. Residents from multiple localities have raised complaints with the Kerala Water Authority, but there has been little response.
The emerging situation is being viewed as more than a routine civic failure. Sources indicate that CPM-backed trade union influence within operational agencies, along with what is perceived as non-cooperation from the Communist-led state administration, is contributing to the delay in restoring water supply reinforcing concerns that the objective may be to create visible civic distress and portray the newly elected BJP-led Tiruvananthapuram Corporation as incapable of handling governance responsibilities.
Water supply has already broken down in areas including Manakkad, Kuryathi, Sastha Nagar and Kalippankulam. Even after local residents, supported by Corporation councillors, staged protests at the Water Authority Section office, officials linked to Left trade unions reportedly remained inactive.
Complaints regarding supply disruption continue to go unanswered. When residents manage to get through on official phone lines, they are met with routine assurances that the issue will be resolved soon.
Tiruvananthapuram has witnessed similar disruptions during previous Attukal Pongala events. On one occasion, a water pipeline was reportedly damaged due to excessive pressure, leading to severe scarcity for pilgrims. On another, a doctors’ organisation was said to have been persuaded to stay away from services during the festival.
In the recent past, the city’s drinking water infrastructure had been strengthened through Union Government-backed AMRUT 1 and AMRUT 2 (Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Transformation) schemes, including the installation of a 75 MLD Water Treatment Plant at Aruvikkara, at a cost exceeding Rs 600 crore.
However, residents argue that implementation suffers when operational responsibility rests with personnel aligned to politically influenced trade unions.
The concentration of shortages in divisions represented by BJP councillors has further intensified suspicions of a coordinated attempt to create administrative pressure ahead of the pilgrimage.
Protests have been organised by BJP representatives as well as the Residents’ Association Coordination Committee.
In response, Mayor V.V. Rajesh and the Corporation administration have initiated emergency measures. A total of 140 water tankers have been deployed, including 40 inducted after the crisis began. Around 60 additional vehicles were expected to join the supply network by February 28. Parallel discussions at the official level are also underway.
The Corporation has indicated that contingency measures will continue to ensure that essential arrangements for Attukal Pongala remain unaffected despite ongoing challenges.
