Time is not far for barren Kerala: V S Achuthanandan

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Administrative Reforms Commission chairman V.S. Achuthanandan on Thursday cautioned against levelling of wetlands, paddy fields and razing of hillocks and said these activities would turn Kerala into a barren land. In a statement released here, Mr Achuthanandan said on the occasion of World Water Day on Thursday, one is reminded of the need to conserve every single drop of water and water sources. This message needs to be spread among people across the state.

The veteran CPM leader's statement assumes significance in the backdrop of Vayalkili agitation in Keezhatoor against the construction of highway through the paddy fields. The CPM which is opposed to Vayalkili stir has announced counter agitation at the site. Mr Achuthanandan said things had come to such a pass that a state like Kerala which has 44 rivers, is facing recurring drought problem every year. The neighbouring states are continuing with their long drawn battle over sharing of waters.

He said water sources were being destroyed one by one under the neo liberal policy driven by development activities and in the name of infrastructure development. "The valiant agitation of people in Plachimada against contamination of drinking water sources should make us think once again about the need for water conservation," he added. Mr Achuthanandan said the manner in which forests were being encroached, paddy fields reclaimed, wetlands levelled and hills razed, the time is not far when the state would turn into a barren land. He hoped the people would soon become conscious that wasting water and destroying sources of water will dig Haritha Keralam's grave.