Drought: Ker govt appeals to people for regulating water use

Kerala Water Resources Minister Mathew T Thomas today appealed to people to use water judiciously with the drought situation prevailing in the state.
Water sources and reservoirs are fast drying up due to scorching summer heat and lack of summer rains added to the woes, he told the state assembly.
The government had already declared the state drought hit in October 2016 due to drastic rainfall deficiency.
"We are passing through a time of acute water scarcity. The government is trying its best to address the present crisis. People should cooperate with the present situation and avoid misuse of drinking water," Thomas said, replying to a submission on the matter.

The minister also warned of stern action against those who use treated water for construction work.
While mentioning about the regulations imposed on supply of drinking water in Thiruvanathapuram, the state capital, he said the government was forced to initiate tough steps as the water level at Peppara Dam, the main source of drinking water here, has gone down drastically.

The water level is only enough to meet the drinking water needs till May 18 at the current consumption level which has forced government to reduce water supply from the reservoir by 25 per cent, he said.
A 24x7 control room is operating and a toll free number has been launched to address the grievances and complaints of people in this regard, the minister added.

The state government has already made nearly 20,000 borewells operational across the state to address the water crisis, according to official sources.
Restrictions have also been imposed on use of water for non-domestic purposes. The use of ground water for commercial purposes has been limited to 25 per cent in the state, they said.