Kerala - Alappuzha   

Candidates lock horns over water crisis in Kuttanad

Staff Reporter

Claims and counter-claims on development

GEARING UP FOR THE BATTLE: Thomas Chandy (UDF) and K.C. Joseph (LDF) at a face-to-face programme organised at the Alappuzha Press Club on Tuesday. — Photo: Johney Thomas

ALAPPUZHA: The LDF, UDF and BJP candidates in the Assembly constituency of Kuttanad said the scarcity of drinking water remains a serious issue despite the development of roads and bridges in the region.

At a meet-the-candidates programme organised by the Alappuzha Press Club on Tuesday, sitting MLA and the LDF candidate K.C. Joseph, Kerala Congress (Joseph), said drinking water schemes in Kuttanad were hindered by the lack of water sources. He said water crisis in Kuttanad had improved considerably after he became the MLA. He added that many schemes were in the offing.

The UDF candidate Thomas Chandy, DIC(K), alleged that Mr. Joseph had not taken any initiative to provide drinking water though he continued to be an MLA for over 20 years. Mr. Chandy said he would provide safe drinking water to the people of Kuttanad.

He said various agencies would provide funds for drinking water schemes for Kuttanad even if the Government was unable to provide funds. The BJP candidate T.K. Aravindakashan said the availability of drinking water had decreased in Kuttanad during the last few years.

He said the development projects implemented Mr. Joseph had benefited only the upper classes.

Mr. Joseph claimed the accessibility of Kuttanad had increased after new roads and bridges were constructed during his term. However, Mr. Chandy said that though roads and bridges had been built, it failed to cater to future needs.

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