The city Corporation will submit a detailed project report to the State government requesting Rs.5 crore to implement drought relief measures.
The report would focus on rejuvenating temple ponds and open wells and reviving defunct bore wells. Additional water tankers would also be sought.
The adjournment motion was adopted by the Council on Wednesday. Works standing committee chairperson V.S. Padmakumar said the report would be prepared in three days.
The resolution stated that in the current situation where waterbodies were drying up, the government’s assistance of Rs.25 lakh per Corporation was insufficient. Last week, in response to the provision of this grant, the Engineering Department was asked to prepare a report detailing the specific requirements of the Corporation. According to this report, an approximate demand of Rs.1.83 crore was made, but this was only a draft, Mr. Padmakumar said.
More vehicles needed
The civic body had sought more vehicles to take water to the most affected wards. Currently, the Corporation owned only five vehicles. The hike in diesel prices also called for additional funds. In addition, Rs.5 lakh was estimated to be spent to sink borewells. The locations would be fixed after a survey.
Draft report
“The draft report did not consider the need to improve the over 100 ponds in the city. A large sum will be needed for this.
“This apart, the purchase of more vehicles to take water to coastal regions will need money,” Mr. Padmakumar said.
There was consensus in the Council over the need to tackle the drinking water crisis. United Democratic Front councillor Johnson Joseph also moved a resolution in this regard stating that the Corporation should accord priority to the needs of recently annexed wards such as Vizhinjam, Sreekariyam, and Kazhakuttom.
Temple ponds
The discussion also touched upon the proper upkeep of temple ponds including the one at Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple.
Mayor K. Chandrika said a meeting would be convened with the Health Minister, Chief Minister, and office-bearers of the temple trust to decide on the renovation.
