The Mision for Water Security

It is well known that life originated in water. Water is an indispensable element of our nature.It may be even
true to say that water is nature itself. This is so because the existence of all forms of life- plant or animal, and all ecosystems- big and small, are based on water and its relative components. Even though there is plenty of water in this world, more than enough for all our needs, the majority of our population is still facing scarcity of water.

The quantity of available pure water is on a decline. And along with that it is being polluted. And when it is coupled with the unchecked and unscientific methods of water consumptions the gravity of the problem increases. The present scenario is one of increasing needs and depleting resources. Thus it is the need of the hour that we pay an attention to scientific methods of water conservation and efficient usage of the same.

The problems like global warming, desertisation, deforestation and destruction of mangrove forests affect the water resources directly. The natural water conservation set-up is facing extinction. Also the inadequacy of sanitation facilities increases the possibility of pollution. We can attain our goal only by conserving as much water as we can and by maintaining the purity of available water. Also we have to curb the misuse of water. Disciplined use of water and its sensible consumption should be encouraged seriously.

Several large-scale, diverse, well-studied and democratic plans are required to meet the diverse water needs of Kerala. Life giving water is the birth right of every human being. Even by that standard, extreme hard work is needed to satisfy the diverse needs of all people. Water is a necessary commodity in the fields like irrigation, drinking water, electricity, industries, health, ecology etc. the most important issue here is that there is nothing to replace water.

In a state where we obtain a higher percentage of rain than the national average, we have extremely complex obstacles to face. On one side we get much of the rain in a span of a few days. On the other side lies certain geographical features that make the conservation a near impossible. Kerala is a piece of land that slopes down from the western hill ranges to the Arabian Sea. This slope and the peculiarities of the soil types make all the water run away to naught. Thus we face the awkward situation of a six-month drought and six-month flood.

Water conservation is badly affected by the decrease and destruction of forests that are the natural water harvesters, agricultural fields, and water bodies. Another important problem that we face is the pollution of existing water resources. We should also see the reports on the depletion of underground water resources seriously.

It has been two years since I took up the responsibility as the Minister for Water Resources of the State. I have started working on the ground that various integrated and scientific plans are necessary to meet the various needs of the society. This government has given form to a water policy keeping in mind the issues like ownership of water, citizens’ right on water and the governments responsibility in ensuring these facilities. This water policy, which has under gone discussions on various levels and opinion formation among the masses, is in its final stages of declaration.

The government is planning to implement a plan based on the various water resources of the state. We can attain our goal by the efficient co-operation between various departments, agencies and the masses. We will have to work hard to protect our local water resources. The protection of rivers and other water bodies require special attention. We should also look into the absence of integrated and scientific laws in this field. Thus, various practical and efficient actions on the field of law are necessary alongside the diverse and large scale enlightenment programmes.

The important issues on drinking water and irrigational programmes are carried out under the leadership of the water authority. Kerala Water Authority is an important role player in the field of drinking water distribution. The Government has undertaken extensive programmes to develop the authority into a professional institution in this field. 143 drinking water programmes, both big and small, were completed in the last two years. 8.5 lakh peoples benefited from this programme. Also completed were the drinking water programmes for 534 rural schools and 1817 ‘Varsha’ units.

The government has given permission to various programmes like Speedy Rural Programme, Tsunami Rehabilitation, JNNURM, UIDSSMT and Japan Drinking Water Programme. Also we were able to commission the Cochin, HUDCO programmes in good time. And the work for the bottled drinking water programme also has been started.

Scientific renovation process of the Kerala Water Authority has already started. As part of this, distribution of computers has been completed and the pilot project called the Centralised Drinking Water Programme will be started at Thiruvananthapuram. The applicants will get water connection in seven days as part of this project. The government wishes to spread this programme on the basis of its experience.

Measures have been taken to ensure the efficient use of drinking water and to prevent the theft of water. Another important achievement of this government is the revision of the pay scale of the water authority workers.

‘Jalanidhi’ has taken up its works in around 110 panchayats. Many small-scale projects have also been undertaken in this period. Five large-scale plans were also been commissioned. These plans benefited around 4.37 lakh people of about 66,868 families. The construction of 7569 rainwater harvesters, 8217 toilets, conversion of 2737 trench toilets and 13735 wastewater-recycling plants have been completed.

More than a thousand rainwater harvesters have been completed in various places like medical colleges, educational institutions, government offices etc under the rainwater harvesting programme.

Many study-classes and workshops were held under the ‘Swajaldhara’ programme which was to ensure the quality of rural drinking water programmes. This aims to purify the rural water bodies like wells. These programmes are held under the joint leadership of Kerala Water authority and the communication and capacity development unit.

Several programmes are held under the irrigation department. Sea walls are being built and Rs. 1551.51-lakh worth of work has been carried out in the small-scale irrigation projects. The steps are on for Chamravattom plan and other plans like Tritthala R.C.B, Kuttapuzha tadayana etc. have also been commissioned.

The government has undertaken discussions and other actions regarding the safety of the Mullaperiyar dam and the construction of a new dam. By conducting many programmes like Environment Impact Study, Flows Route Study, Quake Probability Study etc., the Water Authority could strengthen our arguments in the Supreme Court. We are of the stand that a new dam should be built to ensure the protection of the life of people. Efforts should be now taken to gather the necessary legal and public support.

Another achievement that is worth mentioning is the revision of the Kerala Water Distribution and Sewerage Law by putting forward a special ordinance that helped to prevent the misuse of water and illegal water connections. The revenue of the Authority was increased from Rs.138 crore to Rs.170 crore by ensuring the efficient functioning and without enhancing the charge. Rs. 40 crore from this additional revenue could be used for reliving the deficit incurred from the pay revision.

Ground Water Department completed the construction of 2031 tube wells and 333 filter point wells and located sites for 9652 tube wells. And also constructed 884 tube wells and 819 ordinary wells as part of the hydrology project.

Various programmes were held under the banner ‘Water Literacy Year 2007-08’. Quiz competitions were held for high school students under the name ‘Spirity’. These are being broadcast every Sunday. Newsletters posters and videos were also distributed.

The Department aims at the wide dream of a Kerala that is self-sustained in the case of water related needs. Thus we plan to undertake long term plans in the water conservation and distribution areas. Scientific water management programmes are to be undertaken, particularly in the Panchayat Raj level. It wishes to attain the aim of providing uninterrupted water supply for all.

During my brief term as the minister I have found that many tiresome activities are needed to conserve water and its judicious use to ensure the survival of mankind and the whole living universe. For that timely action plans and visions are necessary.
The department is keen to undertake different works in this direction. We are on a work path to water security. I beg your wholehearted support and help in the journey to accomplish this great aim.