Amid the scorching summer heat, a pristine shola forest nestled within the district plays a vital role in ensuring adequate water supply to numerous wards, including tribal settlements, in Idukki district. Spanning an impressive 12.82 sq km, the Mathikettan Shola National Park, a lush rainforest, serves as the primary water source for Santhanpara grama panchayat near Munnar.
Liju Varghese, president of the panchayat, highlights the crucial role of the Mathikettan Shola in securing water for seven wards of the panchayat.
“Close to 7,000 families rely on the water sourced from the shola, delivered directly through a network of hoses. Remarkably, the water requires no additional purification before reaching the households, ensuring its pristine quality. Thanks to the presence of the Mathikettan Shola, our panchayat has been spared from significant drought-related challenges,” Mr. Varghese says.
