60 p.c.villages in Kerala to be declared as drought-hit

Kerala government would declare 60 per cent villages and 17 taluks in the state as drought-hit, Revenue Minister K. P. Rajendran told the Assembly on Thursday.

The government had sanctioned Rs. 10 crore to district collectors to take up drought relief works, especially connected with supply of drinking water, Mr. Rajendran said while replying during question hour.

The State also would submit a memorandum to the Centre to sanction Rs. 27.45 crore to take up relief works, he said.

It was also found that quality of drinking water in 1879 wards in the state was not upto the mark.

A scheme to rejuvenate drinking water sources and tanks would be taken up with a total outlay of Rs. 10 crore, he said.

Repair work of 43 drinking water sources was progressing, he said, adding an amount of Rs. 29.44 lakh had been spent.