Kerala braces to battle worst drought faced in 115 years

As the drought starts to affect a range of sectors, the State Government is planning to kickstart a massive campaign on how to survive drought.
Image for representational purpose only.
Image for representational purpose only.

KOLLAM: It was in October 2016 that the state was declared drought-hit. The gravity of drought is such that it’s the worst one to have hit the state in 115 years. As the drought starts to affect a range of sectors, the State Government is planning to kickstart a massive campaign on how to survive drought. 

As part of it, starting February 1, the Chief Minister, Revenue Minister and the Chief Secretary will become the ‘star campaigners’ of drought awareness programmes. 

The State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA), which is chalking out the awareness campaign, is planning to use the voices of the three campaigners as they will address the public through various FM radio stations. 

“The two-point agenda of the campaign is ‘Respect Water. Reduce Drought.’ The problem with the state is that we are yet to understand the need for conserving water. Considering the severity of the drought, it is high time that people are sensitised on drought and water conservation activities. As part of the campaign, we will reach out to the people through FM channels, cinema theatres, KSRTC buses, print and electronic media. For the purpose, we have already got an amount of Rs 83.58 lakh from the government,” said Sekhar L Kuriakose, member secretary, SDMA. 

According to him, the voices of the Chief Minister, Revenue Minister and the Chief Secretary will be used as jingles in the FM channels as they will stress the need for protecting water resources and using water judiciously. 

Earlier, the SDMA had mooted a plan to document drought and the task was entrusted with Venu Nair, a documentary filmmaker. When asked about it, the SDMA member secretary said preliminary works in this regard have already been started and the filmmaker has been asked to submit the script of the documentary. A committee comprising of officials from the SDMA and the Public Relations Department will monitor the making of the documentary film, he said. 

“This kind of drought is a one-time phenomenon. Moreover, it is the worst one to hit the state in  115 years. Thus to document it is of great importance. We could use that docu in future. The focus will be on the lessons that we learn in the time of distress. The film will be more of an educative kind,” Sekhar said. 

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