Ayiroor encroachments worsen water shortage

Thiruvananthapuram: Encroachments and unregulated construction have severely degraded the Ayiroor River, triggering a worsening drinking water crisis in the Attingal–Navaikulam region. The 17km river originates from the hill slopes of Maruthikkunnu, Karavaikonam and Swamiyarkunnu in Navaikulam panchayat, flowing through several areas before draining into nearby lakes. Once a key source of drinking water and irrigation for at least five local bodies, it now remains stagnant along many stretches due to encroachments and land filling. Residents say the river, which once supported around 25,000 to 30,000 people, has been narrowed or blocked at multiple points, disrupting its natural flow and reducing water availability. Encroachments are particularly evident in source regions such as Kottarakkonam, while road construction at Swamiyarkunnu has altered parts of the watercourse. At Erapanchala, only remnants of the once-flowing stream remain. The impact is most severe during summer, with wells in areas including Parakunnu, Ammankonam, Desamukku, Kottakonam and Karavaikonam drying up, forcing residents to depend on alternative sources. Chemmaruthi panchayat, which earlier relied heavily on the river, has also been affected. Residents have also raised concerns over illegal waste dumping. Local representatives said vehicles have been found discharging waste, including faecal sludge, into the river during night hours. In one instance, a truck was caught dumping waste directly into the waterbody. Despite repeated complaints, such incidents continue, contaminating nearby wells and posing serious health risks. Alleging that encroachments have taken place with tacit approval from authorities, residents said their complaints have not led to concrete action. Navaikulam panchayat president A J Jihad said steps have been initiated to revive the river. Maintenance work using MGNREGA workers has begun in selected stretches. "The immediate focus is on clearing encroachments, especially in source areas, and restoring the river's natural flow. Larger conservation efforts will follow," he said.