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Our Bureau

Thiruvananthapuram, Sept. 26

The Kerala Government will undertake mapping of the water resources in the State and prepare a database to formulate projects for their optimum utilisation.

The Minister for Water Resources, Mr N.K. Premachandran, said here on Friday that the State was seen as wasting its surplus water resources despite the fact that there had been a depletion of resources.

This has made it imperative for the Government to prepare the database so as to facilitate planning of projects for the future.

Inaugurating a workshop on the State’s Water Policy, the Minister said that the Government had decided to amend the Ground Water Regulation Act to put a stop to the mindless exploitation of ground water resources.

Also, a draft legislation for the conservation of rivers and water bodies is under preparation.

The Minister said that the Government had kept in mind the necessity of providing drinking water to those below the poverty line while framing the water policy. While the Centre has directed to revise the tariff to meet the capital expenses, the State Government has revised the tariff to meet the operational and maintenance expenses.

In fact, the Government had decided to bear the financial burden for supplying drinking water to BPL families, he noted.

The Minister pointed out that the local bodies were expected to take up drinking water schemes for their respective areas following the decentralisation of powers. But the panchayats have been shying away from the responsibility.

Besides, due importance has not been given to rainwater harvesting.

Mr Premachandran said that the Government was not in a position to take up major projects. At the same time, small and medium projects are most conducive to the State.

While encouraging minor and lift irrigation projects, there was also need for revival and capacity enhancement of existing projects, he added.

More Stories on : Water | Kerala

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