Kerala   

Proper water management essential

A paradox: Scarcity amid plenty.

Kerala has a long coastline. We have more than forty rivers and two monsoons. In spite of all these we face a severe water crisis. We have Agricultural Universities, a Centre for Water Resources Development and Management in addition to the various research and development institutes. Still we face water management issues. The basic problem is that we pollute a lot. We let our sewage flow into rivers and ponds. We need to educate the public on conserving our water resources. Rain water should be harvested. Ground water should be preserved. There should be professional water quality management as well. We have to evolve a policy by understanding the scenario in its totality. The core concern of the policy should be availability of clean and pure water for every member of society.

Karunakaran T.P.

Thiruvananthapuram

Water should not be wasted. Regular pipe bursts and inability to tackle the same caused scarcity in our cities more than once in the past six months. Some people misuse public taps and do not even bother to close them after use. Steps should be taken to classify water on the basis of quality. Drinking water should not be used to clean vehicles. ‘Reuse’ and ‘recycle’ of water should be promoted in a big way. Those polluting water bodies should be brought to book.

Abhijith Unnikrishnan

Thiruvananthapuram

It is a matter of concern that in spite of being a State with abundant rainfall and many rivers we are facing water scarcity. Our rivers are facing extinction on account of pollution and unregulated sand-mining. The eco-system is being tampered with by filling up of wet lands. The water policy recognizes that water is a natural resource and public asset. Its use should be regulated for optimal use. This can prevent conflicts in future. Rainwater harvesting needs more thrust. Our neighbouring States are ahead of us in this regard. The principle of ‘polluter pays’ will definitely be a deterrent. However, it is more important to focus on preventing pollution rather than going after the polluters after the damage is been done. It should be mandatory for industries to invest in pollution control measures. Recycling of waste water can be effectively used only if the technology is cost effective. Setting up a specialized agency for timely implementation of such steps is desirable.

V.N. Mukundarajan

Thiruvananthapuram

‘Polluter pays’ and ‘recycle and reuse’ are welcome. Efforts should be made to bring back the lost glory of our rivers, freshwater lakes and the many ponds on an urgent basis. This requires concerted political will. Rainwater harvesting should be a priority area. Adequate long-term policy decisions should be taken to see that there is no scarcity in future.

B.K.S. Nair

Thiruvananthapuram

Ensuring water security is important. Water conservation should be taken up earnestly. There should be wide-spread awareness programmes. The State should have a dedicated machinery for the purpose.

N. Ramachandran

Vakkom

Kerala is identified as a land of backwaters and other water bodies. With our peculiar ‘advancements’ in life we have started disregarding our water bodies. Our water bodies have played a vital role in sustaining life on this small stretch of land between the Arabian Sea and the Western Ghats. The streams that lined our paddy fields are now places to dispose garbage. Rainwater is a problem to us. Legislations should be in place to punish those polluting water bodies. Urgent steps should be taken to see that water does not become a rare commodity for us.

Prof. Binu Mangal

Thiruvananthapuram

The concepts behind ‘polluter pays’ and ‘recycle and reuse of drainage water’ sounds quite sound. However, the water crisis in Kerala is triggered not as much by the scarcity of water as by its mismanagement by all stake holders. The repeated bursts of supply water lines are due to absence of effective surveillance. Statistically forty-four rivers flow in Kerala. But many exist only in name. Our rivers should be conserved. This would go a long way in meeting the water needs of the Harvesting rainwater is another means to tide over the problem. New building should have rainwater harvesting provisions. Above all, there should be good governance.

N. Sadasivan Pillai

Guntakal (AP)

The people of Kerala have not taken water conservation seriously. The life and economy of the State is widely influenced by the monsoon. The State government should take steps for the scientific management of water resources. The public should be educated on various counts. Wastage of water should be minimised. Avoiding pollution of potable water, recycling and decontamination of industrial water output, increasing the catchments in one’s own backyard etc are sure to help. An effective drainage system will help in ensuring that our water sources are not polluted. Wastewater should be carried to treatment plants and recycled for specific uses. Our long-term aim should be to raise the groundwater level. The reach of the mass media should be effectively utilised to spread the message.

Smitha Mol M.S.

Thiruvananthapuram

It is a paradox that we have a crisis on the water front and at the same time we face flood threats.

Rainwater conservation should be taken up seriously. It should be made mandatory for new buildings. Drainage systems should be properly maintained to ensure that water bodies are not polluted. Agriculture packages like the one announced for Kuttanad should have more measures to see that water conservation is taken up. We should have a dedicated body to see that there is a comprehensive plan in place.

A. Jacob Sahayam

Thiruvananthapuram

A comprehensive water policy is the need of the hour. Citizens should take the responsibility to conserve our water resources. We should ensure that water is not wasted and every man in society has access to clean and safe drinking water.

The efforts should start from our backyard. We should see that rain water is put to proper use.

Our drainage system should not pollute clean water.

Our harvesting and water management techniques should be scientific. Rainwater harvesting should not lead to a depletion in the level of ground water.

K.P. Karunakaran Nair

Thiruvananthapuram

Water is one of the prime requisites to sustain life and good potable water is very much essential for a healthy society. Kerala is blessed with abundant water resources. But we are reeling under water shortage. This is mainly because of misuse and mismanagement of the water resources. We cannot let this go ahead unchecked. It is in this backdrop that the Kerala government has come out with the Water Policy. We should be careful not to waste water. In our households, proper water management should be put in place. Leaking pipes and taps should be replaced to avoid wastage of water. It should be made compulsory that water generated in a household, be it rainwater or wastewater should be managed properly. Rainwater harvesting should be adopted in all buildings. Concreting around households should be discouraged to enhance rain water seepage. Pollution of water bodies should be avoided at any cost. Reclamation or conversion of wetlands and water bodies should be prevented at all cost. Having rules and regulations alone will not help, unless strictly implemented and monitored.

Renjan Mathew Varghese

Thiruvananthapuram

Water resources development requires soil improvement and biomass regeneration in an integrated manner. Concentrate more on harvesting rain water. Organic regeneration of polluted water should be attempted. Growing more trees and lessening chemical use in soil can improve the organic health of the soil, its water retention capacity and ensure availability of more water. The adaptability of people to less use of water during water deficient period should be improved through advocacy measures. Retaining or enhancing the areas of paddy fields should get prime attention.

Natural ponds and water bodies should be reclaimed and maintained.

A multi-pronged approach in our rain abundant State will yield results.

K. Rajasekharan

Mulagunnathukavu

To a visitor Kerala would be found abundant with water. When it rains, water is everywhere and most of the water flows to rivers and ocean, unimpeded.

The dams will become full and maximum utilisation of electricity occurs. But when the season changes, there is scarcity of water and power cut and water shortage.

Rainwater harvesting and rooftop water storing facility etc were mooted by the government and a small section of the people started using this facility, but as the government was not giving further help to them, most of them stopped this, saying it was not feasible.

The government should give subsidy to those who harvest rainwater or store rainwater on the rooftop.

S.N. Thiruvazhiode

Poonithura

Geographically our State is placed in a vantage point. Nature bestows plenty of rainfall every year.

But we have to worry about channelising rainfalls to our advantage. For that the State Government should hold dialogue with society for protection and revival of our rivers.

Most of our rivers are suffering from pollution, encroachments and underground water exploitation.

We should strive to protect our rivers. We can be a water-surplus State if we manage our resources well.

V. Venkitasubramanian

Kochi

The Water Authority should arrange two types of water connections. One connection should supply drinking water. The other should carry recycled water after primary, secondary and tertiary treatment. This can be used for other purposes like gardening, car wash etc. The recycled water to be supplied at a reduced price. It should be ensured that consumers do not use drinking water for other purposes. Incentives should be given top those who meet the demands by setting up their own recycling units.

Premalatha S.

Thiruvananthapuram

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