Drinking water supply disrupted in parts of Thiruvananthapuram after major pipeline leak

Thiruvananthapuram: Drinking water supply to several parts of the city will be disrupted after a major leak was detected in a 900mm pipeline of Kerala Water Authority (KWA) near Ambalamukku Junction on Saturday. The pipeline developed a sudden leak, forcing authorities to shut the valve to carry out emergency repair works.Officials said the pipeline is nearly five decades old and is suspected to have burst due to pressure build-up inside the ageing line. Repair works are currently under way and efforts are being made to restore the supply at the earliest. According to a release issued by KWA, water supply to several wards in the city will be affected. Areas likely to face disruption include Kazhakkoottam, Chanthavila, Kattaikonam, Sreekaryam, Cheruvakkal, Chellamangalam, Chempazhanthy, Njandoorkonam, Sainik School, Chengottukonam, Karyavattom, Pangappara, Pallithura, Attipra, Poundukadavu, Akkulam, Kulathoor, Alathara, Kuzhivila, Kesavadasapuram, Edavacode, Pattom, Ulloor and Muttada. KWA said the drinking water supply to these areas will be completely disrupted till Tuesday. The supply is expected to remain partially disrupted until March 23. Residents in the affected areas have been advised to store sufficient water and make necessary arrangements during the disruption period. Officials said repair works involve fixing the damaged section of the large-diameter pipeline and ensuring that the ageing infrastructure is stabilised to prevent further leaks in the network.