Rs 34 Lakh World Bank-aided project aimed at improving water quality
An analysis of the water samples revealed that 90 per cent of the drinking water sources were contaminated with coliform bacteria. The presence of high acidity, iron and fluoride were also identified in certain sources. Based on the database
KOCHI: Koratty panchayat in Thrissur district has taken up an innovative initiative to ensure the quality of drinking water in the area. With the support of the Centre for Sustainable Water Technology and Management (CSWTM) at SCMS School of Engineering and Management Studies and an NGO, the panchayat has prepared a satellite image-based water quality map. A few selected wells from across the 19 wards in the panchayat have been surveyed to collect details like quality of water and presence of pollutants, if any.
“With the support of CSWTM, samples of water from wells and ponds have been analysed for different quality parameters as per the Bureau of Indian Standards. Apart from this, all water sources were documented using Geographic Information System (GIS) to prepare a water quality atlas,” said Manesh Sebastian, panchayat president.
An analysis of the water samples revealed that 90 per cent of the drinking water sources were contaminated with coliform bacteria. The presence of high acidity, iron and fluoride were also identified in certain sources. Based on the database analysis, the panchayat authorities have been taking remedial measures including chlorination.
“CSWTM has been collaborating with Koratty panchayat for the last one year on water conservation and quality management. Innovative concepts like roof top rain water recharging into open wells has been developed in panchayat areas as a climate change adaptation strategy,” said Dr Sunny George, director of CSWTM.
In the next phase, the panchayat is planning to conduct a comprehensive survey of the 16 public wells and 64 ponds in the area based on which a conservation project would be initiated. The '34 lakh project will be funded by the World Bank, added the panchayat president.
( Source : dc )
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