THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: As Kerala reports very high temperatures, several districts of the state are parched, with water reaching many villages once in 12 days. And it’s only March, with the hot months yet to begin in a year that the met department says could be the warmest ever.

Water supplied by the government used to reach few panchayats in rural Thiruvananthapuram thrice a week till last month. But in the last one month, there has been supply only once in 12 days. The Oommen Chandy government has set up helplines across the district, but says it can make few interventions now with the model code of conduct in place for state elections to be held in May.

“We started additional water distribution in Kollam and were stopped by the Election Commission, saying we were violating the model code of conduct. In fact, politicians have been asked to step back and only government officials are doing the work,” said Chief Minister Chandy, adding that the government is planning to go to court to be allowed to help the people.