* Part of drought mitigation strategy
Thiruvananthapuram: The government has plans to construct 30 regulators along 20 rivers to prevent saline intrusion and ensure water supply during the parched summer months, Finance Minister T.M. Thomas Isaac told the Assembly in his budget speech on Friday.
Underlining the relevance of the strategy to convert rivers into reservoirs through regulators and check-dams, he said it had been found to be a solution for the influx of brackish water during summer. The KIIFB would provide ₹600 cr for the construction of the 30 regulators.
The intervention had proved to be successful in the Bharathapuzha, Periyar and Chaliyar rivers, he added.
Dr.Isaac has committed another ₹200 crore for the renovation of around 2,900 check-dams, vented cross bars and regulators across rivers, tributaries and rivulets in the State.
The budget proposes a total outlay of ₹250 crore for the first phase of the World Bank- funded Dam Rehabilitation and Improvement project in the Malampuzha, Walayar, Peechi and Neyyar reservoirs and five dams of the KSEB. The project covers the rehabilitation of 19 dams of the Irrigation Department and 12 dams of KSEB.
In the minor irrigation sector, an amount of ₹15 crore has been earmarked for groundwater development and ₹12 crore for lift irrigation. The budget has set apart ₹8 crore for renovation of ponds. Dr.Isaac said geotextiles would be used as a substitute for rubble in the minor irrigation sector, to the extent possible.
The total outlay for the major and medium irrigation projects is ₹413 crore.
Highlighting the absence of a water conservation policy, the Minister said it could have helped to minimise the impact of the drought. The budget mooted the rejuventation of ponds, springs, streams, canals and lakes using labour under the employment guarantee scheme. It also suggested campaigns to encourage rainwater harvesting and recharging of wells.
A sum of ₹102 crore has been allocated for soil and water conservation activities.
EOM/TNK---
