Chakkittappara: Residents of Peruvannamoozhi Vanchu Nagar in Ward 11 of Chakkittapara panchayat, Kozhikode district, have been facing an acute drinking water shortage for months. The problem stems from the panchayat’s delay in sanctioning funds and renovating a public well, which has become polluted and unsafe for consumption. Around 20 houses depend on this well, drawing water using pumps.

Residents said the issue worsened after waste from a CRPF camp held in the area was buried on nearby police-owned land. Soon after, garbage effluents began appearing on the surface of the well water. The well is now overgrown with wild vegetation. Locals added that the panchayat released a small amount for renovation a few weeks ago, but the work was not undertaken due to insufficient funds.

“The water shortage will worsen during summer, yet the panchayat authorities continue to neglect the issue,” said a resident who previously relied on the well.