T’puram: Water resources minister Roshy Augustine said that measures, including desalination of seawater, will be considered in anticipation of future droughts. The suggestion was put forward during a state-level review meeting with officials from 14 districts on drinking water distribution. “The demand for drinking water is increasing every year. In the near future, there may be a need to adopt such methods,” he said, adding that plans for such alternative activities should be formulated now.Augustine also instructed officials to consider installing micro reservoirs. “By channelling stored water through pipes to the main tank, water conservation can be done. An alternative system would be arranged to address the difficulties caused by the collapse of the tank at Thammanam,” he said.In areas like Ernakulam, Nayarambalam, Thrikkakara and Kadamakudy, water is currently supplied only once in four days. This is a temporary arrangement due to water scarcity. Steps to address this issue should be taken,” he told officials. “Water scarcity in Pachalam and Vaduthala areas, due to a problem with the overhead tank, will be resolved in a week,” he said.In Kottayam, irrigation department has been directed to build bunds at Thazhathangadi and Aymanam, while a temporary bund is being constructed to curb salinity caused by the opening of Thanneermukkom Bund. The minister also said that currently, water from Malampuzha Dam is released only for drinking purposes in Palakkad. However, in light of the drought, instructions have been given to increase dam spillage to reach wells and collect water from Bharatapuzha River, he said. “Considering the possibility of sediment entry, instructions have also been given to reduce pressure and conduct pumping,” he added.There are 15 rigs across all districts (excluding Wayanad) and 89 new schemes are underway. Once completed, water supply will be possible for an additional 1,665 families, he said. The meeting discussed efforts to alleviate the hardships faced by people due to severe drought and to coordinate KWA’s activities to reduce drinking water scarcity.
