Eeraveli: a neglected division

KOCHI: The Eeraveli division in the heartland of Mattancherry continues to be one of the most poorly developed areas in west Kochi, thanks to the apathy of corporation officials. The residents of Eeraveli have only one request; that they be provided drinking water. But the authorities have given two hoots to the pleas of residents from the division which has around 4,900 voters.
“I live in Eeraveli and I know that water shortage is a huge problem in this area. But it was only when we went out for the election campaign did we realize the extent of the problem. One of the worst-hit areas here is a colony called Nellukadavu. The people there appealed to us saying that the only thing they want is to be provided with clean drinking water,” said Jesna Sadiq, one of the LDF candidates from the division.
In 2003, the Kerala water authority (KWA) had constructed a huge tank in the area to provide water to the residents of the area, but to this day, the tank is yet to become functional. “Initially, the people were overjoyed when the tank was built, but later they were informed that the tank had a leak. This was never fixed. To this day, it remains dry. No other facility has been commissioned so far too solve our drinking water problems. The water tankers brought here gives rise to scuffles as people fight over drinking water,” said Muhammad Iqbal, a resident of the area.
The residents say that the groundwater in the area is not even fit for household chores, let alone drinking, leaving them with no other option. What makes matters worse for Eeraveli is the fact that the division lies on the banks of Rameshawaram-Calvathy canal, which further pollutes the groundwater, making it unhygienic for consumption.
“As candidates, and more importantly as residents of this area, most of us are working towards ensuring basic necessities like clean drinking water. We wish to ensure basic development here,” said UDF candidate A R Shameena.