Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has said the State government is mulling introducing stricter building norms to ensure greater rainwater percolation in new constructions.
Inaugurating a two-day seminar on environmental conservation organised by Kerala State Literacy Mission Authority (KSLMA) on Sunday, Mr. Vijayan said new buildings that were constructed on large plots must incorporate mechanisms to collect rainwater and divert the water collected to storage tanks or groundwater recharge pits.
Need to do more
“The State has witnessed a sudden spurt in construction works but very little focus is ensured on water harvesting. It has been proposed to lay down norms that would make it compulsory to reserve around 10% of the entire plot for such activities. Besides, at least 3% could be used specifically for setting up rain harvesting structures,” he said.
He held the view that any efforts aimed at environmental conservation must encompass the welfare of all living beings. A holistic approach is required while chalking out strategies. “The shortage of water in forests have often led to wild animals straying into human habitations. Such instances called for steps that addressed problems faced by all living beings,” Mr. Vijayan said.
According to him, the government would take up the protection of all major rivers in the State as part of strengthening the existing water bodies.
Efforts were on to launch the second phase of river protection. At the same time, the participation of all sections of the public was vital for the success of such endeavours. He cited the case of Varattar river, a tributary of the Pampa river, which was successfully rejuvenated with the public taking up an active role.
Besides, the public generated around ₹1 lakh required for the activities.
Delivering a talk on ‘Nava Keralam Mission and environmental conservation,’ former Chief Secretary S.M. Vijayanand said environmental consciousness was on the wane.
