Local residents of Ettumanur municipality set example by donating land for water project in neighbouring panchayat

Ettumanur: A group of kind-hearted individuals from Ettumanur have set an inspiring example by donating their land for a project that aims to provide drinking water to around 1000 families in Kanakkari Panchayat. The contributors, identified as Thomas Cheriyan Oonnukallel, K M Shajimon Karuthaprayil and Joseph Thomas Elookkalayil are residents of Ward 2 in Ettumanur Municipality.

The shortage of drinking water has been acute in the area, which spans Wards 4 and 5 of Kanakkari Panchayat. Previous attempts to address the issue by drawing water from the water tank at Pattithanam proved impractical for delivering water to the high-lying localities of Malola, Ottapina, Kappiloram and Kurishumala.

To tackle this, the Kurishumala-Molola Drinking Water Project was conceptualised, with a fund of ₹6.87 crore allocated under the Jal Jeevan Mission. However, the project faced disruptions initially as no one was willing to provide land suitable for constructing the water tank, bringing it to the verge of being abandoned.

Recognising the importance of the project, these kind-hearted individuals stepped forward to donate their land free of cost. Notably, Thomas Cheriyan Oonnukallel had previously donated land for a similar drinking water project established 30 years ago, funded with ₹10 lakh from the Block Panchayat. Unfortunately, the earlier project failed to deliver a single drop of water and the tank had to be demolished.

With the new donations, the Malola-Kurishumala project was successfully implemented. The project is set to be inaugurated by Minister V N Vasavan at 2 PM on Tuesday. Kaduthuruthy MLA Mons Joseph will preside over. Kanakkari Panchayat President Ambika Kumaran will deliver the keynote address. The minister will also honour the individuals who donated land for the project.