Rural Development Minister K.C. Joseph has said that the local bodies have been instructed to submit drinking water proposals to the District Collector before April 6 as efforts are being streamlined in view of the acute drought situation in several parts of the district.
Speaking to reporters after chairing a meeting of people’s representatives and officials to discuss the water-supply-related issues in the district here on Wednesday, Mr. Joseph said that there was a consensus at the meeting that the local bodies would submit their proposals to Collector P. Bala Kiran before next Monday. The proposals could include works such as repairing, temporary extension, bore-well works and mini water supply schemes.
The Kerala Water Authority officials were also instructed to submit proposals regarding repair and maintenance of the existing schemes to the Collector before Monday.
The Minister said that the local bodies were asked to submit to the Collector before April 6 proposals of supply of drinking water in tanker lorries in areas experiencing acute water scarcity.
He said that the local body identified for water supply in tanker lorry would be informed of the timing of the water supply in advance. The quality of water being supplied in tanker lorries would also be ensured, he said, adding that the tankers would be allowed to supply water only if they were granted Food Security Commissioner’s certificate.
The meeting also discussed the proposal for allowing the local bodies to use its own funds in emergency situation arising out of the acute shortage of drinking water. The Minister assured the meeting that he would inform the government’s decision in this regard in a week. Mr. Joseph said that there was an understanding at the meeting to carry out works such as renovation of ponds and wells with the participation of local people.
The number of water kiosks to be set up in areas experiencing severe drinking water scarcity would be increased to 200 from 150 last year. He said that Regional Agro Industries Development Corporation of Kerala Ltd. (Raidco) is the agency for the implementing agency, he said.
Proposals to be given to Collector before Monday
Proposal to allow local bodies to use own funds in emergencies
