Identify customary water sources: E Chandrasekharan

KOCHI: Revenue Minister E. Chandrasekharan has instructed various government departments to identify more traditional water sources to effectively address the ensuing drought and severe water scarcity in the district. During a meeting convened at the district collectorate on Sunday, the minister stressed the need to make concerted efforts for drought management. However, deputy collectors and tehsildars have reported that no serious drought situation or severe water scarcity have been reported from any part of the district.

Kothamangalam district forest officer informed the minister that water flow in small rivulets in forests and high range areas is receding though settlements within forest areas are now getting enough water. Only Kuttambuzha is facing water scarcity in the high ranges, the official said. A KSEB official who attended the meeting said that the Idukki dam only had 36 per cent water while Idamalayar dam had 56 per cent water of its capacity. Water was released through Muvattupuzha VIP canal, though not regularly, he added.

During the corresponding period last year, the Idukki reservoir had 56 per cent water to generate 1208 million units of power. During the meeting, the minister instructed the Kerala Water Authority (KWA) to launch massive awareness programmes to prevent water misuse. This year, the KWA is planning to install 4689 kiosks in water scarce areas and a report about this has already been submitted to the state government, said K.B Babu, deputy collector, disaster management cell. Last year, KWA operated only 96 kiosks.

Steps have been taken to clean wells in colonies and other unused water sources. “Top priority should be given to drinking water and a daily list of areas has to be prepared for water supply,” the minister said. Meanwhile, officials of fire and rescue services department said that maximum efforts had been made to prevent fire incidents during summer. “Water for firefighting is taken from non-drinking water sources,” the official said. District medical officer Dr. N.K Kuttappan outlined the preventive measures taken to contain the outbreak of infectious diseases. Deputy collectors, RDO, tehsildars and heads of various government departments attended the meeting.