Kerala imposes mandatory curbs on water use as drought intensifies

Faced with a worsening drought, Kerala government has imposed curbs on the use of water to ensure availability of drinking water in the state. District collectors are advised to halt the release of water for irrigation and to keep a close tab on the water level in the reservoirs. 
 

The government has asked district administrations to step up monitoring and review system and to stop the release of water through irrigation canals for agricultural purpose. They will have to report water situation in reservoirs, in terms of Litres Per Capita per Day (LPCD), on a regular basis. The Chief Secretary will have to coordinate drought mitigation and monitor the situation in each district, The Hindu reports. 
 

The move aims to ensure availability of drinking water upto the onset of monsoon in June, State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA) member secretary Sekhar L Kuriakose said. 
 

Government has also initiated efforts to establish drinking water kiosks in all the wards in the state. Talks are on to finalise the rate of contract for installation of tanks. 
 

Groundwater utilisation by industries is also under the scanner, and SDMA has proposed 75% cut in the extraction. The state is also closely observing the impact of drought on industries, tourism and power sector and is planning to assess the impact and to include it in the memorandum filed with the Centre. 
 

Storage of water in reservoirs across the state has reduced to 45% of total capacity and can generate only 1, 873 million units of power while in 2016 there was enough water to generate 2, 676 million units. 
 

Last season, Kerala recorded 99% deficit in rainfall and the post monsoon dry spell is expected to last until March. 
 

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