Kozhikode: Minister for Water Resources Mathew T. Thomas has asked senior officials of various departments to put their heads together and find effective ways to tackle the looming water crisis in Kozhikode and other northern districts.
Addressing a high-level meeting of officials at the Collectorate on Monday, Mr. Thomas said the heads of Kerala Water Authority, Jalanidhi, Groundwater, and Irrigation departments should come together to find viable options to overcome challenges.
He called upon all departments concerned to prepare an action plan through mutual consultations to address local requirements. “Proper arrangements should be made for supplying potable water in drought-hit areas in March and April,” he said.
Speaking on the occasion, Irrigation Department Chief Engineer V.K. Mahanudevan said the Groundwater Department would explore the possibilities of sanctioning more borewells in areas where water scarcity was acute. “Officials have already received instructions in this regard from the government,” he added.
The meeting also discussed the option of supplying potable water through tanker lorries and special kiosks in remote areas. Arrangements will be made to commence the potable water supply scheme in chosen locations by March.
“For the last two years, there has been a steep decline in rainfall, which is definitely a concern for the whole State. Naturally, the impending summer will be a tough time for the department to prove its mettle,” said Mr. Mahanudevan. “We can overcome the crisis only through proper inter-departmental coordination,” he added.
The meeting reviewed in detail all the ongoing water supply projects and their progress in Kozhikode, Kannur, Wayanad, and Kasaragod districts. Additional Chief Secretary (Water Resources Department) V.J. Kurien, Secretary Tinku Biswal, Kerala Water Authority Managing Director A. Shynamol, and Sub Collector Shamin Sebastian attended the meeting.
