Chekidikadu, Alappuzha: Kerala's dense western coast is dotted with a network of canals and backwaters. However, a persistent civic issue plaguing the residents for decades is good quality potable water. The residents of Chekidikadu in Alappuzha district too face this issue like millions residing in coastal zones as they virtually swim through knee-deep waters to reach the main road for even a pot of drinking water. Even though a 100-meter bund road was built across Naluthode paddy fields, it is of little use to villagers here as it is always under water, whether it rains or not. Students don't go to schools when water level rises.
The bund road was built for the benefit of villagers residing in remote areas amid the paddy fields. People have to fetch water from the main road as no drinking water is available in the village. Though about Rs 10 lakh was spent on the project, it is of no benefit to local people as they still rely on ferry and country boats to travel, avoiding the flooded road.
A granite wall has been constructed on the northern side of the road near Parathara Motorthara stream. As the road is low, it remains under knee-deep water, especially after the granite wall began sinking within months of its construction.
Another trouble on the road for locals is in the form of a one-feet gap between the road and the wall. A few people were injured as they fell into this gap beside the water-logged road. The authorities have not levelled the breach.
The road was built under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme in 2016-17. Over Rs 9 lakh was spent on it and the cost included Rs 1.42 lakh for local labour and Rs 4.61 lakh for migrant workers. The Thakazhi panchayat has named it the Ashamparambu-Krishnanparambu road in ward no 8.