Kerala High Court Mandates Resolution of Billing Disputes Between Kerala Water Authority and Travancore Devaswom Board
Court Directs Improvement in Water Management and Storage Facilities at Nilakkal to Reduce Costs
The Kerala High Court has issued significant directions to resolve ongoing billing disputes between the Kerala Water Authority (KWA) and the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) and to enhance water management practices at Nilakkal. The decision, passed by a division bench comprising Justice Raja Vijayaraghavan V and Justice K.V. Jayakumar, aims to streamline water supply and reduce financial burdens on the Travancore Devaswom Board.
In the judgment delivered on November 12, 2025, the court highlighted the inefficiencies in utilizing water resources at Nilakkal, which have led to substantial costs for the Travancore Devaswom Board. The audit report presented before the court revealed that during the Mandalam-Makaravilakku season, water transportation costs from Pamba to Nilakkal reached approximately Rs.5 Crores annually. As per the Kerala Water Authority, the Travancore Devaswom Board owes Rs.13 Crores for water supplied, a figure that the Board disputes.
Acknowledging the operational commencement of the Nilakkal Water Supply Scheme on October 27, 2025, the court noted that direct water supply to Nilakkal and non-domestic connections could significantly reduce transportation costs, potentially saving up to Rs.4.4 Crores annually.
To address the billing dispute, the court ordered the reconstitution of a committee with representatives from both the Travancore Devaswom Board and the Kerala Water Authority. The committee is tasked with convening a meeting within ten days to resolve monetary disputes. The court further instructed the Travancore Devaswom Board to transfer at least one-third of the admitted dues to the Kerala Water Authority in the first meeting and to establish a time frame for clearing outstanding amounts.
The court also focused on improving water management at Nilakkal, directing the Chief Engineer of the Travancore Devaswom Board to submit a comprehensive report on measures to rectify inefficiencies. Recommendations include increasing the depth and width of water sources and addressing the leakage issues of the Check Dam. Constructed at a cost of Rs.61,14,026/-, the Check Dam has suffered from faulty design and seepage, necessitating urgent repairs to facilitate efficient water storage and utilization.
The court's order reflects a proactive approach to resolving financial disputes and enhancing resource management, ensuring sustainable operations for both the Kerala Water Authority and the Travancore Devaswom Board.
Bottom Line:
Directions issued for resolving monetary disputes between Kerala Water Authority and Travancore Devaswom Board, and for improvement of water storage facilities at Nilakkal.
Statutory provision(s): Dispute Resolution
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