Remarkable progress in water conservation activities: Chief Minister

Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan stated that the work going on in the state in the field of water conservation is progressing optimistically. Under the leadership of the Haritha Kerala Mission, the preparation of water budgets has been completed in 227 local self-government bodies. Also, the preparation of water budget is in progress in 208 local self-government bodies. The Chief Minister informed about this in response to a question in the assembly. A campaign titled 'Surakshithamakkam Paschima Ghattam' (Let's secure Western Ghats)is being conducted under the leadership of Haritha Keralam Mission to fully restore the streams networks in the Western Ghats and facilitate the flow of water. Reclamation work has started in the areas where mapping has been completed.

Till date 1044 km of watercourses have been revived as part of this. With the coordination of various departments, the 'Nirurav Project' is being implemented in all the local self-government bodies. Under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme, 32757 km of streams and 3350 ponds were cleaned and revived. Also 4982 ponds and 17179 wells have been constructed and recharging system has been installed in 8576 wells. 59743 temporary check dams  and 538 permanent check dams have been constructed along with revitalization of the streams. The side protection of the revitalizing canals is reinforced by coir geo textiles. Apart from this, 22.1 km of rivers have also been revived.