Kerala   

Campaign to highlight water security

The Kannur Jilla Paristhithi Samithi has launched a crusade against the exploitation of diminishing water resources. It could not have driven home its message better than by launching a campaign that also quenches the thirst of passers-by. The `Thanneer Panthal,' being organised by the samithi on the pavement of the road facing the Collectorate Maidan, is meant to be a `water struggle' to highlight the large-scale destruction and exploitation of water resources. This novel way of campaigning for water security is only part of its initiatives to protect environment and wage a struggle against environmental degradation that endangers water resources in the district.

For the samithi, it is an effective campaign to draw the attention of people to the issue of the exploitation and degradation of water resources. Samithi activists make buttermilk in large quantity and offer it to passers-by in earthen pots. "With our water resources being drained out to sell water in bottles, the common man has been denied his right to water," says samithi secretary Bhaskaran Vellur. `Thanneer Panthal' will help highlight the reality of water scarcity even as bottled water and soft drinks are available in plenty in Kannur town as elsewhere, he says adding that offering a cup of buttermilk free is both a gesture of compassion and a campaign.

The `Thanneer Panthal' opened on May 4. Samithi activists Hari Chakkarakkal and Ambika Prasannan say 100 litres of buttermilk is given every day between 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The campaign will continue till the onset of monsoon, they say. The organisers have also displayed posters at the spot. These posters are part of the samithi's campaign for water safety. The samithi is in the forefront of the campaign against the ongoing largescale demolition of midland hills, a major reservoir of water resources.

The posters warn the people against the consequences of rapid vanishing of hills from the landscape. Also displayed are posters with messages that warn against polluting rivers and wetlands.

Mohamed Nazeer

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