Kerala - Kochi   

Tsunami survivors suffer social discrimination

K.S. Sudhi

Drinking water scarcity plagues residents of Aniyil beach

WATER WOES: Tsunami survivors of Edavanakad are permitted to collect drinking water from the public tap only after the original residents of the area collect water. - Photo: H. Vibhu

KOCHI: Tsunami survivors on Aniyil beach, near Edavanakkad, are fighting a new form of social discrimination, as they strive to rebuild their lives which the giant waves shattered.

Tsunami survivors who live in houses constructed by an industrial group have to wait till the original inhabitants of the area collect water. "Yesterday, I could collect water from the public tap only after midnight," said Omana, a tsunami survivor.

"We have been suffering discrimination since we moved in," said K.N. Mohanan. The 100-odd families living in the area, including new residents, depend on two public taps for their drinking water needs.

"The social discrimination has often led to scuffles. However, we have now adjusted to the new social order," said Mr. Mohanan.

The State Government promised exclusive water supply network to the survivors. But, this has not materialised so far, said C.M. Devassy, a former president of Vypeen block panchayat.

Ms. Omana has fearful memories of the tsunami. Her daughter-in-law, Sakhi, and grandson, Vishnu, were rescued from the waves that washed them away from their house. Sakhi was saved when her hair got entangled in the roots of a tree as she was washed away. Vishnu was found unconscious in a bush nearby.

The drinking water scarcity has also affected the residents of 14 houses built by Mata Amritanandamayi Math. A water treatment and purification plant installed by Seva Bharati has not become operational even after four months of completion for want of power connection. The group had earlier abandoned a borewell dug in the area.

Unscientific construction of septic tanks is posing a problem to the residents. During rain, the toilets become unusable, as the groundwater surges up to the floor level. In place of proper septic tanks, the toilets are connected to concrete rings laid underground.

"We ask our relatives not to visit us because there are no proper toilets. Where will the guests go if they want to use the toilet," asks T.M. Manaf, a housewife.

None of the residents has been given title deed of land. The documents are in the joint name of the District Collector and the residents.

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