Thiruvananthapuram: Not even one well has been recharged under the MGNREGS scheme in six of eleven block panchayats in the district, ever. The statistics sourced from a ‘Success Stories’ booklet published by MGNREGS reveal that the only two blocks in Thiruvananthapuram with a significant number of well recharge projects are Kilimanoor (13,400 projects) and Nedumangad (2,600 projects). Puthencode, Varkala and Chirayinkeezhu have undertaken 1, 6 and 2 well recharge projects respectively according to the booklet.
The number of rainwater recharge pits, renovated ponds, new ponds constructed, bunds and canals constructed in the district under MGNREGS are 37061, 595, 61, 256 and 683 respectively. To understand how important water recharge projects are to the water table, one needs to look at places where the Integrated Watershed Management Programme was implemented. Open wells have enough water in wells which are near check dams built across the Vamanapuram river, according to Vamanapuram block panchayat president K.P. Chandran.
Lack of will in the said blocks is the reason for such a dismal number of well recharge projects, say MGNREGS officials. “Local bodies do not take enough initiatives for water recharge activities. Another issue is that there is not enough awareness on the benefits of water recharge, even though local bodies and MGNREGS are allocated a certain amount to spend on awareness,” says V. Subhashchandrabose, former Director, Communication and Capacity Development Unit (CCDU), Water Resources Department. Chandavila, the ward which faces severe shortage of water has 18 ponds, which if recharged would have had water for at least uses other than drinking. Even as its councillor Bindhu S says she had asked that these ponds be cleaned, Minor Irrigation officials say they are yet to receive any request from the ward.
