KOZHIKODE: Thousands of major and minor water bodies in the state will be rejuvenated as part of the drought mitigation measures, water resources minister Mathew T. Thomas has said. Speaking at a review meeting on the preparations to face drought in Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur and Kasargod districts held here, the minister said works to revive 555 irrigation projects and 5,500 bore wells will begin by the middle of February.
Among them, 8 irrigation projects and 526 bore wells are in Kasaragod district , 7 irrigation project and 585 bore wells are in Kannur, 4 irrigation project and 310 bore wells are in Kozhikode and 3 irrigation projects and 81 bore wells are in Wayanad. Kerala State Disaster Management Authority is initiating the activities to face the drought, the minister said. It has also estimated that nearly 11,000 water kiosks will be needed across the state. The government will implement 29 projects under Jalanidhi by March 31.
Kudumbashree will be entrusted with the responsibility to clean up the canals, the minister said. Additional chief secretary (water resources) V.J. Kurien, Kerala Water Authority managing director Shainamol, technical member T.M. Raveendran, ground water department director Jose Joseph and Kozhikode sub-collector Shamin Sebastian also attended the meeting.
