The Janasamrudhi project that is aimed at replenishing wells and rejuvenating water resources has got off to a successful start in Kattakada constituency.
The pilot project, which was formally launched by I.B. Satheesh, MLA, in the Kannancode ward in Pallichal grama panchayat a few days ago, has benefited over 10 families by ensuring constant availability of water for their domestic purposes.
The Jalasamrudhi project involves drawing water from abandoned granite quarries and routing the supply to a recharge pit that is positioned close to the targeted wells in a manner that facilitates gravitational flow of water. The flow of water from the quarry pits is regulated using a tap.
The mechanism, which has been christened ‘Pallichal model’, has been designed to suit various factors, including varying topography, type of soil and slope of the land surface. The project also envisages effective utilisation of ponds that have formed in defunct quarries, which are present in large numbers in Kattakada.
Mr. Satheesh said the project, which is being included under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme, will be extended to more parts within the constituency.
Water for recharging the wells was sourced from a quarry pond that existed in the southern side of Mookkunnimala, a hill that is located to the east of Thiruvananthapuram city. The particular pond, which is around 60 ft deep, was identified for the pilot project as it was found to contain abundant water, even during the summer.
This particular locality of Kannancode had experienced acute water scarcity a year ago, which prompted the authorities to devise a mechanism to ensure optimum usage of the available resources. For this, they constructed a recharge pit, around 500 ft away from the granite quarry.
Kerala State Land Use Board commissioner A. Nizamuddin, Soil Survey and Conservation assistant director Roy Mathew, Balaramapuram Spinning Mill chairman M.M. Basheer and Kerala Sastra Sahitya Parishad activist V. Harilal were also present during the official launch of the project.
