They ensure that the city never goes thirsty

Thiruvananthapuram: Most shops and residences in the city have turned into relief spots , that offer water and juices for the public to beat the heat.
C R Chandra Babu alias Kannan, of TCN decorations near Rajeev Gandhi Statue in Chalai, started distributing free water to people in the city six years ago by installing a water can in front of his shop. Many have followed suit with each passing year.“A water can of 20 litres was installed in 2014, which evoked good response. Pedestrians and commuters quench their thirst and fill their bottles too. In this summer I keep two cans a day,” he said.

Kalyan Silks at Palayam has a huge pot of buttermilk placed in front of the building. People coming to State Central library, Fine Arts College as well as those pass through MG Road stop by for the traditional favourite being offered for free.

“Buttermilk is distributed from 11 am to 1 pm. It is not only for our customers. We had the facility last year also and the response was good,” said Biju H, security guard of Kalyan Silks.

“The noble initiative taken by vendors and residents are appreciable,” said Neha Laxman, a resident, who frequents Palayam.

Zam Zam restaurant at Palayam provides free juice to the people. The Vyapari Vyassayi unit near Chalai margin-free market, CITU unit at East Fort also offers buttermilk from 11 am to 2pm. YMCA unit statue also set up free drinking water and butter milk counters in front of the women’s hostel, opposite to AG’s office.

Around 100 cans of water were used at the water water purifier installed at Janamaithri auto stand at Pallimukku near Pettah police station in March alone. “Since it has been a hottest month, we used to change 4 to 5 cans per day. It was useful for people, including students, shopkeepers, commuters and also officers at Pettah police station. We won’t let anybody to waste water,” said Suresh Kumar M, an auto driver.