The district administration on Friday launched its new water conservation schemes under the Green Kerala Mission to address the shortage of water in the summer season. Irrigation Minister Mathew T. Thomas inaugurated the project at an event held at Karassery panchayat.
Addressing the gathering, Mr. Thomas said the State was on the verge of a drought with the fall in rain by 48%.
It could be addressed only by the optimum use of available water resources and effective storage of available water with the construction of check dams in possible areas, he pointed out.
Supportive schemes
The Minister stated that the Kerala government had already declared various supportive schemes for water conservation using eco-friendly methods. Also, steps would be taken to come out with a new legislation that would ensure the imprisonment of all those who throw waste into rivers, he added. The coordinators of the project said not less than 370 new check dams would be constructed under the special drive. Intrusion of saline water into farm fields and other drinking water sources too would be addressed.
Departments such as Agriculture and Irrigation would be playing the lead role along with the field support of various voluntary organisations.
George M. Thomas, MLA, chaired the inaugural event. District Collector U.V. Jose, Karassery grama panchayat president V.K. Vinod and heads of various government departments were present.
