THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: On the occasion of the World Water Day on March 22, Water Resources Minister P J Joseph has called for the conservation of water and water resources in the state. He said that water should not be a matter of dispute but that of friendship.The Minister in a statement issued here said that there was a need to have a new vision about the use and conservation of water. Though the state gets as much as 3,000 mm of rain on an average, we have not been able to utilise this water in such a way as to contain the drought conditions of summer. “Changes in climate and microclimate too will be first manifested in water availability, with visible changes in rainfall intensity. Only with a detailed scientific study into the availability and conservation could we reach the goal of water for all,” said Joseph. Wells are a main source of water in most villages. “Ensuring availability and quality of water has to be a priority for water security of the state. The water resources that are filled up and the issues of pollution calls for urgent attention. We should also minimise the utilisation of water in summer to meet water shortage problems,” said the Minister. While water and food security is the theme of the World Water Day, a water-secure Kerala is the ultimate aim of the state. But even then, water should not be a matter of conflict, opined the Minister. “The Mullaperiyar Dam and river-linking are all matters of live debate. Even while giving water to Tamil Nadu, the safety of the people of Kerala is extremely important. Giving and accepting water should not be a matter of conflict as we are willing to continue giving water to Tamil Nadu,” said Joseph. But when a century-old dam has to be replaced on reasons of safety, the needs of the state cannot be dismissed as a purely emotional reaction. “Besides, this issue is even being used to divert attention,” he said.
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