The Kerala State Literacy Mission Authority (KSLMA) is gearing up to launch a major drive titled ‘Jala Saksharatha’ (water literacy) on Wednesday to sensitize the public on conserving water bodies in the state.
“The one-month programme envisages to impart lessons on water conservation to 10 lakh families in the State with the help of the learners under the Mission,” P. S. Sreekala, KSLMA director, said.
As many as 70,000 learners, who are pursuing Class X and higher secondary-equivalent programmes, will take part in the initiative at a time when water scarcity and pollution are cause of worry, Dr. Sreekala said..
Kerala is known for its abundance of rivers, backwaters, waterfalls, streams and ponds. But over-exploitation of groundwater, destruction of forests, unscientific utilization of land, dumping of waste in water sources and sand-mining in riverbeds result in destruction of water sources in many places, she said .
“A recent study by the mission found that 26.90% of water sources in the State were polluted owing to various reasons,”she said.
Close to 3,000 water sources in the State, including 1,302 ponds, 941 canals, 153 river stretches, 16 backwater stretches, 1,107 public wells, and 87 other waterbodies in various districts were surveyed as part of the study. It also found that 46.1% of the water sources were partly polluted.
The mission has released a 16-page handbook titled The Water: Textbook for Environment Literacy Programme-1 for the campaign. The book focuses on various aspects of water conservation ranging from the significance of saving potable water and removal of pollutants in water bodies to scientific conservation methods.
The activity-oriented handbook in Malayalam also provides details of various existing laws on conservation of water, waterbodies and regulation of pollution, she said.
As part of the drive, each learner would handle awareness classes on water conservation for at least 15 people residing in his or her locality. At least one person from each family is expected to be trained in this manner.
“The literacy drive is part of our unique, social literacy campaign which focuses on water, sand, biodiversity, climate, greenhouse and waste management,” Dr. Sreekala added. The programme will conclude on September 20.
