Kanthalloor grama panchayat in Idukki, bordering Tamil Nadu, is dealing with a severe drinking water shortage.

According to officials, the grama panchayat has been hit hard by deficient rainfall, prompting the District Collector to grant special sanction under the Disaster Management Act to utilise funds for drinking water distribution in the local body.

In the order, the Collector noted that wards 1, 3, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, and 14 are facing acute water shortage. “The local body was permitted to spend ₹12 lakh on drinking water distribution between April 1, 2026, and May 31, 2026. However, once that period expired, the panchayat could not utilise the remaining funds. Considering the severity of the situation, special permission has been granted to utilise the balance amount for water supply,” the order stated.

A Revenue department official said the government typically permits funds for water distribution only during the summer. “Distributing water during other seasons requires special government sanction. The Collector issued this order in light of the crisis. Additionally, the Kerala Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency has been directed to study long-term solutions to address the water shortage in Kanthalloor,” the official added.

Confirming the crisis, Kanthalloor panchayat secretary Suresh Kumar said the area has received almost no rain over the past two months. “Most wards are facing an acute drinking water shortage and experiencing summer-like heat. Several waterfalls that usually draw tourists have dried up, and residents are struggling to access basic drinking water,” he said.

Known for cool-season vegetable farming and scenic tourism, Kanthalloor is witnessing a significant downturn. “The severe drought and unusual heat have hit the local economy and led to a sharp decline in tourist arrivals,” an official noted.

Former Kanthalloor panchayat president P.T. Mohandas remarked that the region has rarely witnessed such conditions. “The village is renowned for garlic cultivation, but the lack of rain has almost entirely destroyed this year’s crop. The agricultural sector is in deep distress,” he said.

Meanwhile, IMD data shows that Idukki district faces an overall 46% rainfall deficit as of August 19. Against the normal expected rainfall of 2,018.3 mm for this period, the district has recorded only 1,089.6 mm.

Published - August 19, 2026 09:16 pm IST