Move for revival of ponds and recharging of groundwater

Ponds in the district will be closely monitored as the water-scaling project successfully implemented at Kattakada in Thiruvananthapuram is now being extended to the district jointly by the Haritha Keralam Mission and the Water Resources Department.

The Kattakkada model in water conservation activities has involved revival of ponds and recharging of groundwater as also introduction of measuring scales for monitoring and maintenance of water level in the ponds. In the first phase, water-scaling project will be implemented in the ponds in the Edakkad block here.

“The water-measuring scales being installed in the Edakkad block in the first phase is meant to monitor the water level in the waterbodies in the area,” said E.K. Somashekharan, district coordinator of Haritha Keralam Mission.

Facilities for testing water quality will also be introduced in the ponds where the scales are being installed, he informed. Plans are also afoot to install water scales in abandoned quarries, he added.

The Mission has already begun a survey of ponds in the Edakkad block and abandoned quarries in the district.

The district is estimated to have over 200 abandoned quarries. The scales will be installed when the water level is low.

The Mission has already initiated steps to test quality of water in abandoned quarries to know whether it could be used during drought situations.

GPS system

Also being started is a project to locate water bodies using GPS system.

The Mission has also launched a water awareness campaign in collaboration with the Kudumbashree Mission to ensure people’s participation in water conservation activities, Mr. Somashekharan said adding that the campaign highlights the motto, ‘Water is life.’

Impromptu check dams

Officials informed that elaborate arrangements are under way for constructing impromptu check dams under the aegis of local bodies in the district to ensure maximum conservation of summer showers.