Central Travancore wilts under heat, water sources run dry

Even the occasional summer showers have brought little relief to Central Travancore, which continues to wilt under an intense spell of heat. With temperatures steadily rising, water levels across the region have dropped sharply. Wells are rapidly receding, while streams and other natural water sources have remained dry for months. What little water remains in low-lying areas is stagnant and contaminated.

The Pampa River, a lifeline of three districts, now lies broken across several stretches. Only water trapped in rocky crevices remains, and it is in these shallow pools that riverside residents are forced to bathe and wash their clothes. The Kakkad River and the Kallar, both tributaries of the Pampa, have also nearly dried up, leaving behind stagnant, green-tinged pools. The Meenachil River is facing a similar crisis, while water levels in the Manimala River have also fallen sharply.