Kochi faces a worsening water crisis due to delays in building a new tank at Thammanam. The twin-chambered tank partially collapsed on November 10, 2025, severely affecting tail-end areas. The Kerala Water Authority (KWA) submitted a design for a new 35-lakh-litre tank, but it still awaits administrative approval. Albert Ambalathingal, councillor of Division 22, Pachalam, said about 200 families in his area suffer severe water shortages. "We try to arrange water tankers, but they are not available every day. The shortage worsened after the partial collapse of the Thammanam tank. No amount of talks has yielded results, and we are planning protests as our next course of action," he said. Similarly, Jismy Jerald, councillor of Division 23, Vaduthala West, said many areas continue to face acute shortages despite meetings and promises. "We rely on tanker lorries for now, but this is not a permanent solution. The recently commissioned Kaloor tank has not helped," Ms. Jerald said. Affected areas include Anglo Indian School Road, Kattunkal Temple surroundings, Pachalam overbridge, Janatha Colony, and Janakeeya Road. A KWA source said, "An expert committee advised not to restore the collapsed tank section. Setting up a new tank was seen as ideal. We are still waiting for sanction, and the delay can only worsen the situation." Building the new tank may take close to a year, including the tender process. "The proposal was submitted in November, and we have already lost time," the source added. The State Human Rights Commission (SHRC), led by Chairperson Justice Alexander Thomas, has asked the KWA to report on plans to manage the water shortage during summer. The SHRC took suo motu action, citing the potential for a severe water crisis in Kochi, and directed a report within a month from the KWA Chief Engineer.