Southern States - Kerala-Thiruvananthapuram   

Rainwater harvesting to be made mandatory

By Our Staff Reporter

Thiruvananthapuram Dec. 31. The Water Resources Minister, T.M. Jacob, has said the year 2004 will be declared "Rainwater harvesting year" and steps will be taken for making rainwater harvesting mandatory in the State.

Inaugurating a workshop and discussion on ``Rainwater harvesting'' organised by the State Planning Board, Centre for Water Resources Development and Management, Kerala Water Authority and Central Groundwater Board in connection with the conclusion of the International Year of Freshwater here today, Mr. Jacob said water crisis in the State was a result of the exploitation of natural resources in the State. He said Tamil Nadu was able to overcome water crisis to a considerable extent as a result of rainwater harvesting.

The negative approach of the people of the State towards this scheme had paved the way for the delay in its implementation, he said.

However, the Government would seriously think of implementing this scheme in the coming year in a serious manner, he said.

As a first step, the scheme would be implemented in the Secretariat, major Government offices, educational institutions and other institutions with the help of voluntary organisations.

Speaking on the occasion, the Minister for Local-Self Government, Cherkalam Abdulla, said the Government would take steps to amend the Kerala Building Rules to make rainwater harvesting schemes mandatory in newly-constructed houses in the State.

The Government would insist on rainwater harvesting projects in all houses under construction in the State except, thatched houses from 2004. The amendments are under the consideration of the Law Department and would be announced within two weeks, he said.

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