KOZHIKODE: Dealing with the alarming drinking water crisis head-on, the Karassery panchayat is on a mission to turn the local body into the first ‘total potable water secured panchayat’ in the state.
With the roll out of its ambitious project ‘Sujalam, Sufalam, Sundaram’, all wells and other water bodies, including ponds, will be recharged by effectively harvesting rainwater.
Panchayat vice-president V P Jameela said the shortage of potable water is a major concern facing the panchayat. “Our prime focus is to ensure clean and healthy water to the public all year round. The project aims to address the soaring water crisis by harvesting rainwater,” she said.
“As many as 7,500 private wells have been identified in the first phase. Later, other water sources will also be brought under the initiative,” she said.
An estimated `8000 will be required to recharge a well, and the civic body has set aside `6.4 crore for the project. The project will be implemented by utilising the services of MGNREGS workers. The workers will be provided training for the same. In addition, selected plumbing workers will also be deployed to guide the workers. She said the project will also try to tackle the garbage menace by initiating a slew of novel methods.