The Kerala High Court on Wednesday (June 18) came down heavily on the Kerala Water Authority (KWA) over its inaction in resolving a persistent drinking water shortage affecting over ten panchayats in Thrissur district.

The Division Bench of Chief Justice Nitin Jamdar and Justice Basant Balaji made strong oral observations while hearing two connected Public Interest Litigations (PILs) filed in 2023 and 2025.

Expressing concern over the prolonged pendency of the matter, the Court remarked,

“Our main concern is why the High Court needs to spend so much time on something that falls squarely within the statutory duties of the Water Authority.”

The Court pointed out that although interim measures had been put in place over two years ago, a permanent solution had yet to be implemented.

“Two and a half years is too much. Interim arrangements continue — lorries supplying water twice a week, with the Collector, Panchayat officials, and others repeatedly engaging in ad hoc solutions. This is not sustainable,” the Bench observed.

In line with a previous interim order, the Managing Director (MD) of the KWA appeared before the Court via video conference and was directed to convene a meeting with all concerned officers to chart a concrete resolution. The Court further warned that unless meaningful steps were taken, it would be compelled to issue time-bound mandatory directions against the Water Authority.

The Bench also emphasized the need for accountability at the highest level, stating that it was for this reason that the MD, and not subordinate officers, was summoned to appear.

The matter is now scheduled for further hearing next Wednesday.

The issue was first brought before the Court in 2023 through a PIL filed by K.A. Dharmarajan, seeking directions to ensure a supply of potable water to residents of Gothuruth Island in Sreenarayanpuram and Ayyanthole Panchayats. Responding to the plea, the Court had ordered the provision of drinking water on alternate days either through pipelines or tanker lorries under the Jal Jeevan Mission.

In 2024, the Court noted that the problem required both immediate and long-term measures — including the creation of permanent water supply infrastructure. The District Collector was tasked with verifying ground realities, and subsequent reports confirmed the seriousness of the drinking water scarcity. Consequently, the Court impleaded nine additional panchayats, holding them partly responsible for addressing the issue.

In 2025, a second PIL was filed by P.L. Xavier seeking a comprehensive and lasting resolution to the water crisis.

Case Titles:
K.A. Dharmarajan & Anr. v. State of Kerala and Ors.
P.L. Xavier v. State of Kerala
Case Nos.: W.P.(C) No. 36773 of 2023 & W.P.(PIL) No. 2 of 2025